Tears for Simon as she makes Australia squad for World Cup

Kyah Simon

 Kyah Simon broke down in tears at hearing she had made Australia’s squad for a FIFA Women’s World Cup they will co-host, but there was ag­ony for Larissa Crummer, Emily Gielnik and Chloe Logarzo.

As expected, Tony Gustavsson unveiled a star-stacked final 23 for the tournament, including Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Alex Chidiac, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and captain and go-to girl Sam Kerr.

Simon’s inclusion came as a shock. The 32-year-old hadn’t played in nine months follow­ing an ACL injury. Gustavsson explained that she got the “last spot as a game-changer.

“We are heavy on attacking talent in this country. She’s not selected based on where she is right now; she’s selected on where we expect her to be at the start of the tournament. She’s mentally strong, has a phenomenal connection with Sam and the other attackers, so she’s selected based on being a game-changer and her energy level and changing the game off the bench.”

Gustavsson selected 15 of the players Ante Milicic took to France 2019. Lydia Williams and Clare Polkinghorne will now become the first Australians to go to five global finals.

“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson said. “Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely over­joyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.

“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us. They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.” — FIFA