Teigen Allen, Emily van Egmond and Alannah Kennedy have been named in the squad for Australia’s title defence of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Western Sydney Wanderers Teigen Allen, Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy have been named in the squad for Australia-s title defence of the AFC Women-s Asian Cup in Vietnam by Westfield Matildas Interim Head Coach Alen Stajcic.
Following a six day training camp on the Gold Coast, Stajcic finalised his 23-player squad for the tournament, which doubles as the qualifiers for next year-s FIFA Women-s World Cup in Canada.
In all, 11 of the players selected (Teigen Allen, Tameka Butt, Kim Carroll, Casey Dumont, Lisa De Vanna, Kate Gill, Elise Kellond-Knight, Samantha Kerr, Leena Khamis, Clare Polkinghorne and Lydia Williams) were part of the Westfield Matildas- Women-s Asian Cup winning squad four years ago in China.
Stajcic admits the selection process was tough but that the competition for spots highlights the quality of talent that is coming through, something that ultimately augurs well for the Matildas as they attempt to defend their title.
“During the camp I was impressed with the quality and standard of football that the girls produced and we certainly have been blessed with having some really good depth to pick from,” Stajcic said.
“We have only been able to work together for a short time since I came in but we implemented some new things at the camp which they responded well to and I-m confident that this squad has the potential to be successful in Vietnam and give the tournament a good shake.”
The Westfield Matildas have been grouped alongside world champions Japan, Jordan and host nation Vietnam for the AFC Women-s Asian Cup.
The Westfield Matildas squad flies out for Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday 8 May ahead of their opening game of the tournament against Japan at Thong Nhat Stadium on Wednesday 14 May 2014 (Kick-Off 8.15pm local time, 11.15pm AEST).
The top five teams at the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2015 FIFA Women-s World Cup.
Fox Sports will provide live and exclusive coverage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Vietnam, featuring all matches of the Westfield Matildas.
