CommBank Matildas forward Emily Gielnik said that she was happy with the result in game one against Chinese Taipei, but was looking forward to improving in game two.
She was speaking after the team’s 3-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in Melbourne. Gielnik started the game at centre-forward, her first start for the national team since July 2022.
“I’m happy with the result,” she said.
“I’m itching to get back out there. The players who came on, some of them for their first cap or second cap, more so inexperienced players – they did a really, really good job as the game opened up.
“Overall, we’ll take the win, but I think we have got a lot of improve on.”
She said it felt amazing to start again for the national team, particularly at her home ground in clubland.
“It felt emotional against Brazil [when she was substituted on], and for right now, I kind of get to enjoy it,” she said.
“I’m at AAMI Park, where I play my club matches, so tonight just felt really, really good. Gutted not to get on the scoresheet as a striker but I’m looking forward to the next match already.”
The match was the first time that Gielnik and Heyman had been able to play up front together in their long careers in the national team.
“We both want the ball in behind, and we both display an aerial presence,” she said.
“I don’t feel like that was utilised in this game as much as we would’ve liked to, so that was disappointing, but it started to open up in that last 15 to 20 minutes – unfortunately, when we were both off the pitch!
“We said to each other at the start, we’ve never played on the pitch together in a similar role. So I’m looking forward to that partnership building.
“It was really fun to play with her, because I usually play against her! We enjoyed it.”
The extended camp has provided opportunities for different players after eight members of the squad left to go back to their club teams after the Brazil games.
Gielnik said that she was happy with the way that it has played out.
“I always say, one door shuts, another one opens,” she said.
“It is what it is, that players are going back to European clubs, and what that does is open opportunities for young girls. I know if I was in their position, I’d be relishing this opportunity, and I think they’ve made the most of it.
“We’ve got another game, and there’s even more opportunity for them to stamp their presence in this national team jersey.”
She said that she was hungry to step up and play in Geelong on Saturday.
“I am burning inside to get back out there,” she said.
“I’m itching at the bit, and I honestly think there’s too many wrongs out here to make right. I’m dying to rectify either the mistakes that I made, and the chances that I could have created or the things that I could have done better.
“I’m a tough critic of myself, but I think that’s the way it should be. I think we shouldn’t settle for less when you wear this jersey.
“All I want to do is get back out there and not only win, it’s about a good performance.”
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10 and 10 Bold
