Winger Caitlin Foord says the Matildas will have a point to prove when they attempt to rebound from their opening loss to the United States in their second friendly clash in Newcastle.
The Matildas went toe-to-toe with the world champions for much of Saturday’s clash in front of a record crowd on home soil at Stadium Australia, but were left with the bitter taste of a 3-0 loss.
Foord expected the disappointment to fuel Australia in front of potentially a sellout crowd at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday.
“For us to play on home soil in front of a home crowd, it’s already so easy to get up for these games,” she told reporters on Sunday.
“We know what Newcastle’s like, we’ve obviously played many games there before and they bring good energy and an awesome crowd.
“Obviously for us, we’ve got a point to prove, obviously want to finish these games on a high and get a win.”
Australia were left to rue inefficiency up forward and defensive lapses on Saturday and Foord stressed the importance of improving in clutch moments inside both 18-yard boxes.
The friendlies are the second time in five weeks Europe-based Matildas have faced a limited build-up amid long-haul flights and tight international windows.
Arsenal winger Foord said it was a challenge players had to find a way to navigate.
“It’s extremely tough. This time round feels a little bit tougher than the last one (against Brazil) and I think that’s purely because at our clubs we’ve been playing so many games,” she said.
“We played three games a week, which obviously between last camp to now is a lot of games, and then the travel on top.
“It’s difficult and that’s something we’re gonna have to get used to and find the best strategy to be able to prepare ourselves the best we can for the games when we come back.
“Obviously, we want games at home so we need to find a way to feel as good as we can.”
Foord, who impressed on Saturday, was confident she was hitting her straps again at national team level after dealing with injuries earlier in the year.
“I’m starting to feel good again, it’s just about being on the park and getting confidence and getting the minutes that you need to keep building,” she said.
“I definitely feel like that is a place that I’m at but I still know I have more to give and I can be better.
“I just want to be that player in the important moments in the important games.”
AAP
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