Questions over Kerr and Fowler remain for Matildas before Asian Cup opener |
For the second time in three years, Australia is hosting a major women’s football tournament. After finishing fourth at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, a home Asian Cup will see the Matildas battle for the trophy. But, heading into their first match against the Philippines on Sunday night, questions remain unanswered.
Who will start in goal?
It’s not looking like Mackenzie Arnold after what appeared to be limited training this week. That leaves either Jada Whyman or Chloe Lincoln, called up late as Teagan Micah’s injury replacement.
Whyman has the longevity in camp, but it feels unlikely coach Joe Montemurro would hand a player an international debut in the opening match of a major tournament.
Lincoln has the caps – all three of them – and seems the shoo-in. Montemurro gave nothing away about Arnold’s mystery injury (or illness), other than to say, “We’re monitoring it, and we’ve got it in control with our medical staff, and we’ll make some decisions in the next 24 hours. There’s no decisions made of anyone playing. I’m still deciding on what my starting XI is going to be.”
Kerr or Fowler ... or both?
Being in Perth, this feels like a moment for local favourite Sam Kerr to start. Kerr has been waiting for this moment since mid-2024, when her ACL tear left her doing monotonous rehab exercises instead of contesting the Paris 2024 Olympics with the rest of the team.
Mary Fowler meets fans in Perth ahead of the Asian Cup opener.Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The 32-year-old now has some game time under her belt – and some confidence-building goals – which is two steps ahead of Mary Fowler’s comeback journey.