Laini Freier said that she was still in shock after she became CommBank Matilda #236 on Monday morning (AEDT).
She was substituted on in the second half against the United States to make her national team debut only two-and-a-half months after she played her first game of professional football for the Brisbane Roar.
“I’m still in a little bit of shock,” she told Football Australia Media.
“Obviously, everything’s happened really fast. It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m very grateful and very honoured.
“When they grabbed me to warm up, I was so scared, so nervous, but I was very, very excited.”
It is the first time that Laini Freier has represented Australia at any age group level and said that the step-up was noticeable, but one that she was able to prepare for.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” she said.
“I didn’t really know what I was coming in to. I spoke to Sharn [Freier, her twin] about it, and she gave me a bit of a heads-up. It’s still a little bit different coming in, but I’ve loved it.”
Freier’s debut meant that both she and Sharn became the first twins to appear for the CommBank Matildas.
She said that she had been in contact with Sharn – who was unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury - throughout the camp, and had received advice on what to expect.
“Obviously, it would be great if Sharn and I got the chance to be out there together, but both of us making our debut and playing for our country is something that we’ve always dreamed of,” she said.
“I've been speaking to her daily while I’ve been in camp, and she’s always given me her best wishes.
“We’re very lucky to have each other to bounce off. We both knew we could get to where we are, with each other, having each other’s backs and support. We’re very lucky with how close we are and the bond we’ve got.”
She recalled phoning home and talking to Sharn along with her “very emotional” mother, who has now seen two of her children take the field for the national team.
She also spoke about the moment that she received a letter from her twin after her debut.
“I couldn’t open it when they gave it to me because I knew I’d get a bit emotional, so I read it back in the change room with a few tears,” she smiled.
“It’s always been a dream of mine as a kid [to represent Australia], and I finally got my opportunity to see where I’m at. I’m very grateful and very honoured to wear the green and gold and represent our country.”
CommBank Matildas v Colombia
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 (local) / Thursday, 27 February (AEDT)
Kick-off: 4.37pm PST (local) / 11.37am (AEDT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego (CA)
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: ussoccer.com/shebelieves/cup
