Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams. Source: AP
THE significance of the Matildas playing in Thong Nat Stadium for Wednesday's opening AFC Asian Cup clash cuts deep into Australian soccer folklore.
Nearly 47 years ago the Socceroos were sent to Vietnam at the height of the war to play in the 'Friendly Tournament' in 1967 where Australia faced the then South Vietnam, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
Socceroos legends the late Johnny Warren, Atti Abonyi and Billy Vojtek scored in the final, a 3-2 win over South Korea.
Matildas keeper Lydia Williams who celebrated her 26th birthday on Tuesday saw the stadium for the first time since 2008 when the national team was allowed to walk on the hallowed turf before facing Japan in the opening AFC Asian Cup match on Wednesday.
"I don't think we get educated enough about the participation that we had in wars and history and it's really cool and interesting to know that back in the day Australia played in the stadium that we're going to be,'' Williams said.
"It's pretty humbling to see that we're playing in a very significant tournament and in the day the Socceroos were a part of."
Williams believes the Matildas are in line to emulate the Socceroos 1967 vintage by claiming the Asian Cup tournament.
The current No. 1 at Western New York flash says the stadium is in good condition before hosting 15 out of the 17 Asian Cup matches.
"We played there one time in 2008 and it looks the same as back then, probably the grass is a bit better than before,'' Williams said.
"It will be interesting to see how it goes from the first game of the tournament to the end of the tournament."
But Williams said the Matildas are ready to face a buoyant Japan.
After a brilliant domestic season Williams is playing the style of football which pleases coach Alen Stajcic.
Apart from having a very safe pair of hands the 175cm keeper has used her foot skills to perfection in a system which Stajcic wants endorsed.
Playing the ball out from defence with short passing is destined to draw Japan out of shape and create goalscoring opportunities.
"I think we've come here prepared and re-energised,'' Williams said.
"It will be a really good game to see where we stand.
"But over the last few years women's football has developed where the goalkeeper uses a lot more of their feet and playing out and developing how to play out."
But celebrating another birthday milestone on the road isn't new for Williams.
"Out of my nine years celebrating with the national team this is my seventh birthday away from home,'' Williams said.
"It's a regular occurrence, I was in America when I turned 21 and the only two times at home was my 18th and two years ago when I did my knee.
"Hopefully we'll get birthday cake (on Tuesday)."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Matildas have history on their side
Dengan url
http://sportlivestyle.blogspot.com/2014/05/matildas-have-history-on-their-side.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Matildas have history on their side
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Matildas have history on their side
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar