After selecting a formidable team anchored by Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, and Steph Catley, coach Joe Montemurro promised Thursday that Australia would play a “entertaining” style of football in their attempt to win the Women’s Asian Cup.
In the competition’s 20 editions, the Matildas have only won the trophy once, in 2010.
As the tournament’s hosts from March 1–21, they are keen to return to the winners’ podium after finishing second in 2014 and 2018.
“My remit in the way I approach the game is always to play a brand of football that excites, to play a brand of football that’s going to be proactive,” said Montemurro, who previously coached Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon.
“And one of the things that’s important to me is that we play a brand (of football) that is going to put in a good showcase… you’ll be entertained.”
The squad is led by Chelsea star Kerr who will captain the team at her fifth Asian Cup.
Fellow stalwarts Catley, Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Katrina Gorry, Mackenzie Arnold, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Emily van Egmond underpin the side.
Fowler of Manchester City, who has only played 15 minutes since undergoing knee reconstruction, was chosen in a Matildas team for the first time since April of last year.
In addition, Montemurro announced eight players who will compete in their maiden Asian Cup, including Kaitlyn Torpey of Newcastle and Clare Hunt of Tottenham.
Of the 26 players, all but two are located abroad, with 13 of them playing for English clubs.
“A tournament of this nature — and we’ve seen many tournaments, whether it’s the men’s World Cup, women’s World Cup — brings up a lot of surprises,” said Montemurro.
“It’s not a situation of a league, where you can sort of plan and rotate accordingly.
“It’s very, very important that we’re prepared for quick turnarounds.
“But the biggest thing for me was to make sure that we cover all scenarios. So if we needed to change system, if we needed to change structure, we could do that quickly.”
Australia kick off the tournament against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
They are also grouped with Iran and South Korea.
