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Saturday 1 March 2008

Sally Shipard writes from Matildas Camp


Matildas v New Zealand, Women's national team play their first game since the World Cup, new players, young players....

Sally Shipard gives us all the news from the Matildas Camp.



Hi Eamonn, hi guys

Just sitting in the lobby of our beachside resort...up in the Sunshine Coast, which is steadily living up to its name as the "Sunshine Coast". However I dont believe the weather forecast is that great.

We play New Zealand this afternoon. Kick-off has been brought forward half an hour, due to finshing the game in poor light. So this has only been a minor bump in the road.

A larger bump in the road would be the fact we dont have many of the World Cup squad available for selection. Several are on their way back from injury and some have recently retired. It will be a great opportunity for the younger girls to step up and impress Tommy (Sermanni).

The squad is quite young with 3 girls under the age of 18. Elise Keller-Knight, Tamika Butt, and Casey Dumont have all stepped up and hopefully will make their debut this week.

All I know is that I will be lining up alongside Cheryl Salisbury in the back-line. I have experienced playing the the central defense at some stage, but have never started a full international in the role.

It should be an interesting bout between us and our fellow rivals across the..... sea. No matter our ranking's, the games are always nice and competitive. New Zealand have much to prove considering they will be more than likely competing in the Beijing Olympics later on this year.

Experience or no experience, preparation or nor preperation...I know we will give it to these girls today and it will be a tough fought-out match. And we cannot wait:-)

bye

Sal.

ed; Thanks Sally for your update, and good luck today.

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