The road to World Cup - Melissa Barbieri:
We caught up with Westfield Matildas captain, Melissa Barbieri to chat about her previous World Cup experiences and how the team's preparations are coming along.
We caught up with Westfield Matildas captain, Melissa Barbieri to chat about her previous World Cup experiences and how the team's preparations are coming along.
This will be your third World Cup (03, 07), what is your most memorable moment in the World Cup?
Barbieri: It would have to be the game against Canada in 2007 where we came back twice to level the scores. A goal from Collette McCallum (amazing free kick) and then we were 2-1 down and we needed to score to make the quarters. Lisa went on this amazing run in the box only to have a player slide tackle her. I thought it was over but the ball went straight to Cheryl and you couldn-t have asked for a more composed player at that time. She saw all the players moving to one side so she just slotted it in the opposite corner, pure elation!
How is the team and your individual preparation for this year-s World Cup?
Barbieri: We play through Asia now and the team-s preparation has been great. The tough Asia Cup and then the game against Germany last year really gave us an indicator of where we are at as a group. Then when the squad came together for selection, the girls really gave their all and competition was fierce. This made sure that players were really stepping up and now we have a few cuts to go I am sure nothing will be different in Gosford. My preparation has been good. After my injury in November last year I have concentrated on strengthening everything and I think it has done me wonders.. The AIS has helped with strength and conditioning programs to get me ready and at my age everything counts.
What can you take from your previous World Cup experiences to bring into this team?
Barbieri: I have been in two vastly different situations in the two World Cups I have been to. In 2003, we did not get through the group stages after being in a relatively easy group and then to make the Quarter Finals in 2007 and being knocked out by Brazil. I would like to use those memories to play better and as Captain I like to remind the girls how good they are. You don-t win an Asian cup by accident and also keep them grounded at the same time - you don-t win games by turning up, you have to do the little things that add up to the big wins.
Barbieri: I would like to encourage them to go out there and make mistakes because if you are not making mistakes you are not trying hard enough. I just hope my defenders don-t take me too seriously. But as long as the young ones are doing their best - they are unstoppable, so I won-t have to worry.
What will you define as a successful World Cup tournament?
Barbieri: Of course we want to make it out of the group stage but we are in a pretty difficult group so in saying that, I want people to be proud of us and we be proud of ourselves, having left nothing on the pitch.
The Westfield Matildas were knocked out by Brazil in the last World Cup, what are your thoughts on playing them in the first game?
Barbieri: It will be a very tough match. I am hoping because it-s their first match, they will be thinking of that last game and underestimate us. We love being the under dog so it suits us just fine. We know that they are very skillful but so are the Asian teams. As long as we keep them in front of us and we stay on our feet, anything can happen.
How do you rate the other two teams in your group, Norway and Equatorial Guinea?
Barbieri: I have heard that Norway are not doing so well at the moment but I won-t be underestimating them. They are strong and powerful and we came form a goal down last world cup to level at 1-1. Equatorial Guinea will be a lot harder than the 61 (current World ranking) they carry after their name. Teams from Africa are very difficult to beat because they are relatively unknown, with no background footage and from all reports their team may be a lot different to the one they had through qualification, so the African Champions will not be an easy beat, that-s for sure.
Do you think there will be added pressure on you being the captain and do you look up to anyone to draw inspiration from?
Barbieri: There is no added pressure because I think I lead naturally because of my position and I am used to it. The part I love is when we are all together in the change room and we are getting ready to go out. Getting the girls all fired up is the best part of my job (Apart from lifting the Champions trophy of course). I draw inspiration from many people. My Mum who taught me to be the person I am. My teammates who do amazing things on and off the pitch. I also like to use quotes from inspiring people or movies. I know if I think about a sentence and it gives me goose bumps, then my teammates may get the same out of it.
Barbieri: The crowds will be amazing in Germany - we have so many Aussie in England that they might fly over and cheer us on. I know a lot of the families are going and that will do a lot for the players- moral. But the Germans love their football and will pack the stadiums to the rafters!
Do you have any advice for the younger players who one day would like to follow your footstep and represent Australia in a World Cup?
Barbieri: I have the advice of “Don-t let success go to your head or failure go to your heart”. I am not sure who said it but it has stuck with me. There have been many times in my career when something didn-t go right. Injuries happen, selection doesn-t always come or you may have to sit on the bench for a while. You have to respect those who come before you and earn your right to be there by sticking at it. Its not all going to be perfect and when it is perfect, don-t get too comfortable because football is a funny game and it can change very quickly.
FINAL FIVE:
When I was young, I wanted to be Michael Jordan If I was not a goalkeeper, I will be playing as a left winger If I scored a goal, I will celebrate by jumping like a kangaroo When I let a goal in and I know it-s my fault, I learn from my mistake and never let it happen again I wish that Football in Australia reaches its full potential