FIFA World Cup hero Cortnee Vine returns to Matildas for Mexico Paris Olympic friendly clash
Cortnee Vine’s blistering form for Sydney FC has been rewarded with a recall for the Matildas’ April friendly against Mexico.
Vine withdrew from February’s Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan for personal reasons.
But with six goals and three assists in her past five A-League Women games, the 25-year-old winger made an irresistible case for a recall against world No.31 Mexico.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Leicester City defender Courtney Nevin, who was left out of last month’s qualifiers, has also been recalled to Tony Gustavsson’s 23-player squad.
There was no room for in-form Melbourne Victory striker Emily Gielnik or Western Sydney Wanderers forward Sophie Harding, who was a train-on against Uzbekistan.
Chloe Logarzo (hip) drops out, while Lydia Williams (ankle) and Charlie Rule (hip) remain sidelined along with Sam Kerr (anterior cruciate ligament).
The game - which takes place in San Antonio, Texas, on April 10 Australian time - kicks off the Matildas’ preparations for the Olympics and doubles as a rare audition for the 18-player squad for the Paris Games.
Mexico, who beat the United States 2-0 in the group stage at the recent continental Gold Cup, will pose a stern test for Tony Gustavsson’s charges.
Ahead of Thursday’s Olympics draw, Gustavsson said the squad rewarded players for their individual performances, while focusing on squad connection and chemistry.
“Following the achievement of Paris 2024 qualification, our attention turns fully to ensuring the best preparation in terms of matches and training activity for the Olympics,” Gustavsson said in a statement.
“With our opponents revealed at the Olympic draw this Thursday, our extremely challenging assignment over the coming months, and next two FIFA international windows, is to narrow down on the final 18 players that will provide the best chance for success.
“That those decisions will be difficult speaks to the genuine depth and competition for places that we have created over the past three years.
“Unfortunately, due to limited roster spots for the Olympics, that results in some very good players in strong form missing out on selection for this window and for the Olympics.
“The upcoming international against Mexico will see one eye on preparation mode against a quality opponent ... while also continuing to implement our evolving playing style ahead of what will be a very competitive Olympic tournament.”
MATILDAS SQUAD TO FACE MEXICO
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Jada Whyman
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charli Grant, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Aivi Luik, Cortnee Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Kaitlyn Torpey
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Amy Sayer, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop
Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Michelle Heyman, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine.
