Sally Shipard on Matilda's World Cup preparations

Sally Shipard on the effects of an eleven month break.

Sally Shipard writes every week for Football in the Capital. Sally keeps us updated on all Matildas news. This weeks Sally discusses the recent training camps in Coffs Harbour and plans pre-World Cup.


Hi Guys

Over the past 2 weeks the Matildas were up in Coffs Harbour. Fabulous weather and a great training environment helped calm the nerves considering it was our final selection camp for the World Cup.

We had 2 internationals against New Zealand, winning both games 3-0 and 1-0. The Squad which Tommy (Sermanni) had arranged to attend the camp was big enough to field 2 completely different sides for the matches. Everyone performed well and I'm sure the selection process for Tommy and the rest of the coaching staff is not getting any easier.

One of the things that I have realised is that when you return from a long-term injury it takes a while to feel like your 'old-self'. My fitness has returned, but my game sense and decisions on the ball hasn't. I'm panicking on the ball in places where I shouldn't or wouldn't have before my 11 month break from Senior Womens Football.

I'm relying on finding 'It' in the next few weeks:-)

Game time is definitely going to speed up the process.

We have a trip to China mid-August for some internationals which will be our last hit out before we begin our World Cup finals campaign. It will provide the squad with some competitive, high intensity games against the Chinese National team. We will return back in Australia with one week till we go back again for the World Cup.

Because of the China trip, Tommy has been forced to select the squad 2 weeks earlier than he had first planned. The team is announced next Tuesday. A long and anxious wait for all of us.

bye for now

Sal

Eamonn: The squad will be listed here as soon as it is released.