Sally Shipard writes: 45 days until World Cup squad announced

World Cup places up for grabs.

"It's time to focus on the World Cup."

Matilda's star Sally Shipard writes every Thursday for Football in the Capital. This week Sally gives an update on the Matilda's and their World Cup (in Beijing, China in September) preparations.

Hi guys

The weekend just gone was the first time we had gotten together since our Olympic qualifying games against North Korea.

Over the past 3 weeks we have had time to recharge and really think about how much we want to perform well at this World Cup. Our failure to qualify for the Olympics next year is very much in the back of our minds. We have all re-focused.

We all proved this with solid performances during the camp held in Coffs Harbour over the weekend. Tommy (Sermanni) called in a large squad to remind everyone that positions for the World Cup squad are not cemented.

Two younger girls from the Youth team Elise Kellar-Knight and Kyah Simon were called in and performed very well. The squad will be announced in 40 days time and the official countdown till our first game is 70 days.

We are now at our home institutes, completing the individual programs provided by our AIS Strength and Conditioning coach, Tim Rogers.

Our next camp is scheduled for the 17th of July till the 23rd. The international games that we are playing for our World Cup preparation have not been confirmed as of yet...
will keep u informed:-)

bye Sal.

ps Eamonn asked me about Sasha McDonnell. She is currently taking a break from football.