Duo return for Matildas crunch qualifiers
The Matildas have received a boost ahead of their crucial Beijing Olympic qualifying matches against DPR (North) Korea with Young Matildas captain Sally Shipard and experienced midfielder Alicia Ferguson returning to the squad for the first time this year.
The duo have both been selected in an 18-strong squad that will meet DPR Korea in Pyongyang on Sunday 3 June, with the return match to be played in Coffs Harbour on Sunday 10 June.
The 19-year-old Shipard returns to the national team for the first time since the AFC Women-s Asian Cup in Adelaide last July following a lengthy absence due to a foot injury. Brisbane-based Ferguson, a veteran of 59 caps for the Matildas, is set to make her first appearance since last November-s Peace Cup.
The two matches against DPR Korea on Sunday seem certain to determine the qualifier from Group B which also comprises Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. After two rounds both Australia and DPR Korea have recorded large victories over the other two nations in the group with Australia defeating Hong Kong 15-0 and Chinese Taipei 10-0 in April.
DPR Korea are Asia-s highest ranked team listed at 5 on the FIFA Women-s World Rankings, while Australia are now ranked at an all-time high of 14.
“The trip will be a challenge off the field but the experience will be unifying and I'm sure the character we collectively have as a group will see the team through these two crucial matches,” said Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
“The squad are prepared as well as possible in the circumstances and everyone is looking forward to the challenge of meeting the highest ranked Asian nation.”
The Matildas squad for the Olympic qualifying match in Pyongyang is:
Goalkeepers - Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Emma Wirkus (Adelaide)
Defenders - Di Alagich (Sydney), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle), Thea Slatyer (Sydney)
Midfielders - Lauren Colthorpe (Newcastle), Alicia Ferguson (Brisbane), Lana Harch (Brisbane), Collette McCallum (Perth), Joanne Peters (Newcastle), Sally Shipard (Canberra)
Forwards - Joanne Burgess (Sydney), Lisa DeVanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Sarah Walsh (Sydney)
(current home city)
Unavailable due to injury are defender Karla Reuter (thigh), goalkeeper Lydia Williams (wrist) and Caitlin Munoz (knee).
The squad will be based in China prior to arriving in Pyongyang the day prior to the match and will then return to Coffs Harbour on Wednesday 6 June.
The Matildas have already qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women-s World Cup to be held in China this September where they have been drawn against Norway, Canada and Ghana.
TICKETS Tickets for the Matildas matches in Coffs harbour are available online via www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au, from the Coffs Harbour City Council-s central ticketing system located at the Jetty Memorial Theatre, phone: 02 6652 8088 Mon-Fri 10.00am - 4.00pm, or at the gate on match day.
FIXTURES
Australia v Hong Kong 15-0 Saturday 7 April, 3pm BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Chinese Taipei v Australia 0-10 Sunday 15 April, 4pm Chungshan Stadium, Kaohslung, Chinese Taipei
DPR Korea v Australia Sunday 3 June Pyongyang
Australia v North Korea Sunday 10 June, 3pm BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
Hong Kong v Australia Saturday 4 August Venue TBC
Australia v Chinese Taipei Sunday 12 August, 3pm BCU International Stadium, Coffs Harbour
TV Coverage SBS will have LIVE coverage of the team-s matches against DPR Korea on Sunday 10 June and Chinese Taipei on Sunday 12 August. Both LIVE matches will be shown as “The World Game” weekly Football Feature from 3:00pm.