A squad of 23 will contest Australia’s upcoming play-offs against Uzbekistan. But if the Matildas qualify for the Paris 2024 tournament, Tony Gustavsson is allowed to take only 18. That is five fewer than FIFA allowed at the World Cup, and the coach must also consider how he would set up the team without captain and striker Sam Kerr, who has just started rehabilitating a ruptured ACL.

“It’s a bit too far ahead to say now who’s going to be there,” Gustavsson said this week. “But as you’ve seen over the last year or so in the World Cup, there’s been a core group of players that knows the way we play. So sometimes it’s not about the best players, it’s about the best team, the best connections are on the field and also understanding the tactics.”

He went on to say “the door is open, but it’s not wide open” for fringe players to take the places of his core group. Based on that logic, we have selected the 18 players we believe Gustavsson would pick if he had to do it today. We have added two wildcards who could play their way in during the final qualifiers on February 24 and 28.

Mackenzie Arnold
There is no question the Matildas’ World Cup hero remains their No.1 choice between the posts. Arnold has been in consummate form for her club, most recently leading West Ham to a 2-1 Women’s Super League upset win over Arsenal, having recovered from the arm injury which forced her to miss the November friendlies against Canada.

Mackenzie Arnold is the undisputed No.1 goalkeeper.Credit: Getty

Teagan Micah
The clear No.2, even if Lydia Williams was not injured. Her game time at Liverpool is still scratchy, with only four appearances since moving from Swedish side Rosengard in November and the most recent a 5-1 loss to Manchester City. But she has more experience at international level than the uncapped Jada Whyman.

Who misses out: Jada Whyman, Lydia Williams

QOSHE - When 23 becomes 18: The Matildas making the cut for Olympics - Emma Kemp
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When 23 becomes 18: The Matildas making the cut for Olympics

9 1
10.02.2024

A squad of 23 will contest Australia’s upcoming play-offs against Uzbekistan. But if the Matildas qualify for the Paris 2024 tournament, Tony Gustavsson is allowed to take only 18. That is five fewer than FIFA allowed at the World Cup, and the coach must also consider how he would set up the team without captain and striker Sam Kerr, who has just started rehabilitating a ruptured ACL.

“It’s a bit too far ahead to say now who’s going to be there,” Gustavsson said this........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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