Matildas full of mysteries ahead of Asian Cup opener
Justin Chadwick |
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has dismissed any fitness concerns surrounding Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross, but there are plenty of other mysteries for the host nation heading into the Women’s Asian Cup.
The Matildas’ quest for Asian Cup glory begins on Sunday evening when they face the Philippines at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is in big doubt for the match after barely being sighted at training this week.
Given star Lyon goalkeeper Teagan Micah (concussion) has already been ruled out for the tournament, an injury to Arnold would leave either the uncapped Jada Whyman or 21-year-old Brisbane Roar custodian Chloe Lincoln (three caps) in the hot seat between the sticks.
Cooney-Cross wasn’t seen at training on Saturday, raising another fitness fear just a day out from the 12-nation tournament.
The 24-year-old missed a chunk of action with Arsenal in January after flying back to Australia to be with her mum, who has been diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer.
But Montemurro said Cooney-Cross was just being managed on Saturday.
“(She’s) going really well. Just all precaution,” Montemurro said.
“The lead up has been very tight and a lot of players were playing on the weekends, so we’ve just got them all on individual sort of programs.
“We’re going to take the opportunities to make sure that players are ready at the right time to be part of the group. But she’s travelling well.”
Star Manchester City forward Mary Fowler is set to be eased in after playing just two games since returning from a knee reconstruction.
Matildas captain Sam Kerr is further ahead than Fowler after returning in September from her own ACL tear.
After facing the Matildas in Perth on Sunday, Australia take on Iran on the Gold Coast on Thursday before backing up against South Korea in Sydney three days later.
The quick turnarounds means Montemurro faces a delicate balancing act, especially with the players who are working their way back to full fitness.
Kerr is the only remaining member of the Matildas squad that won the 2010 Asian Cup.
The 32-year-old said it has been great to see the progression in the women’s game since then, and she hopes other Asian nations will follow in the footsteps of the Matildas’ growth.
“When I went to my first Asian Cup, no one expected us to win it,” Kerr said.
“We were considered one of the dark horses or outsiders, and maybe 1000 people came and watched our game.
“I had to call my mum (to fill her in) – the games weren’t even live at the time.
“So you have to start somewhere. And five Asian Cups ago, that’s where Australia was.
“Fast forward to today, and the Matildas is a household name in Australia.
“I think maybe the other teams can see that inspiration that the Matildas have done in their country, and I hope for all the other nations that they go off in the same trajectory as the Matildas have.”
Montemurro has been in the top job for just nine months, and he hopes the 2026 Asian Cup on home soil will be one to remember.
“I think these are special occasions,” he said.
“These are occasions that you treasure in our sport, as professionals.
“I just think the whole tournament itself is going to be amazing. I think there’s going to be some special memories made.”
Kerr scored a hat-trick when the Matildas thumped the Philippines in the most recent meeting between the nations in 2023.
AAP