The Australian Olympic Committee has announced the 18 Matildas bound for the Tokyo Olympic Games, following on from yesterday’s Olyroos squad announcement.
Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has included two Victorians in his team; Arsenal defender Steph Catley and Melbourne Victory young gun Kyra Cooney-Cross. It will be Catley's second trip to an Olympic Games, while Cooney-Cross will make her Olympic debut.
Led by Captain Sam Kerr, the Matildas' squad features many Aussies turning out for top European teams. The squad will be hoping to build on their previous Olympics performance, when in 2016 they made the quarter finals before being dramatically knocked out by host nation Brazil on penalties.
Coach Tony Gustavsson highlighted the depth of players he had to choose from, a factor which made today’s selection extremely difficult.
“First I want to thank every single player out there that fought to get a spot. It's a team with a lot of passion and pride to now represent the country. It's a spirit within the team that I love," he said.
“It’s a team and a roster that is very attack minded, but also with a lot of versatility. There's a lot of players in this roster that can play multiple positions, which is exactly what you need in an Olympic tournament."
"On the pitch you are definitely going to see a brave team that's going to take a step forward. It's going to be an attacking mindset on the field. Off the field, this team is always going to represent in the best way possible. It's an authentic team that is really true to who they are and very, very proud to represent their country.”
The competition will run from 21 July – 7 August at venues around Japan.
To see the full squad announcement, follow the link below.
Seven Victorians headline Olyroos' medal hopes.
The Olyroos will travel to Tokyo boasting a squad full of Victorian talent, with seven of the 18 chosen players being produced in the state.
Livewire Daniel Arzani is joined by Nathaniel Atkinson, Denis Genreau, Connor Metcalfe, Dylan Pierias, Reno Piscopo and Thomas Deng.
The men's tournament features under-23 players, with three overage eligible for selection . All of the players selected, including the overage players will be making their Olympic debuts.
Head Coach Graham Arnold is optimistic that the team could make a serious tournament run in Tokyo, stating the Olyroos have the potential to "shock the world."
“It is such a special moment and special time, I am really excited to get to Japan, I can’t wait,” Arnold said.
"My expectations are that we are going to shock the world and we are going to go out there, play on the front foot, we’re not going to go out there trying not to lose the game, we are going out there expecting to win the game and it doesn’t matter who we play.”
The men's tournament features under-23 players, with each squad able to include three overage players in their selections.
The Football competition will run from 22 July – 8 August at venues around Japan.
To see the full squad announcement, follow the link below.