With two wins from two matches, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas are sitting on top of Group B heading into the final group stage match on Thursday evening in Mumbai.
In Australia’s 4-0 win over the Philippines, goalkeeper Teagan Micah recorded her first minutes of the competition as the shot stopper made her AFC Women’s Asian Cup debut.
“I loved it. I loved playing my first Asian Cup game,” said Micah. “It was a good debut and any time I get to step out on the park with the girls, I just have a lot of fun with it.”
“I mean, as a goalkeeper, you do have those games [where you don’t see much action] but we’re trying to be proactive goalkeepers and stay involved.
“We’re always involved with our communication, just moving across and following the ball and just moving all the time. In those games you do have those one or two moments, so you want to be solid when it comes to you.”
Meanwhile for forward Cortnee Vine, it was not only her first match minutes of the tournament but also her first senior international minutes as she became Commonwealth Bank Matildas cap #220.
“It honestly felt amazing. Again, I’m still very speechless. I say this in every interview, but it’s honestly so surreal,” Vine enthused.
“I can’t believe I actually did it. It’s actually happened so I can now say I’m a Matilda, which is mind blowing.”
Vine made an immediate impact with her introduction into the game looking lively with her 20-minute cameo.
“Not much went through my mind when I got out on the pitch. I feel like I’m a player that really does just play in the now. My mindset was just to go out there and just play my game and show them what I can do.”
Australia’s final match is against the second highest ranked team in the group in two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup participants, Thailand.
Mumbai Football Arena will once again play hosts to Australia with the match kicking off at 7.30pm (local) on Thursday 27 January.
Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Thailand
Date: Thursday 27 January 2022 / Friday 28 January 2022
Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Kick-off: 7.30pm (local), 01:00am (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live and Exclusive on Network 10 and 10 Play
For more information on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, visit the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup
Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
