By Eamonn Flanagan

The Matildas have been preparing for their crucial Group B Olympic qualifiers against North Korea at a four-day camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni said, “We’ve been focusing on defensive work in this camp. The key to this game will be our defensive discipline, we don’t want to get stretched, not give North Korea any space when we go to Pyongyang (to be confirmed). They are a very good side, one of the best on the World.”

“We’ve had an easy run this year in Internationals. We played New Zealand in February and won 1-0 but we haven’t really been tested since October last year.”

“We need to develop a different mindset to what we’ve had this year, and the camp is aiming to do that.”

“The players feel they can give anyone a good game on any given day. This Matildas group is a confident unit. Like most Australian teams, other sides do not intimidate us. The players have a great deal of respect for the North Koreans.”

Midfield star Sally Shipard also expressed confidence saying, “I’ve never been to North Korea, so that part is exciting. We drew 0-0 with them in last year’s Asian Cup in Adelaide, and in this squad we have some very strong players.”

Key striker Sarah Walsh said, “I respect North Korea, they are a good side, but I’m trying to take confidence from our three goal advantage. It will be tough.”

“It’s nerve-racking that we can miss out on the Olympics if we don’t perform in these two games, but it’s also exciting. The move into Asia has been hard; some of the teams are in the top ten in the world. It’s good though, we really earn our spot this way.”

The Matildas have an arduous journey ahead of them. Flights in and out of North Korea are limited. The squad will fly to China on Saturday 26 May, train in Beijing and then head to North Korea on Tuesday 29 May. The players are expecting restrictions on their movements while in North Korea.

“After the game, with the return game in Coffs Harbour on Sunday 10 June just seven days later, you really want to get the players out as soon as possible. The earliest flight out is on Tuesday so we’ll be back in Australia on the Wednesday before the game. We planned the trip as best we can.”

In addition to logistical concerns, Sermanni has injury worries.

“Yes, we’ve a few injuries. Sally Shipard is still out, and Caitlin Munoz has a long term injury. One or two others have knocks and this has made training a little difficult. I expect Sally and Caitlin to be fit for the games and hopefully ready for the next training camp in June.”

“It would be difficult for the girls to play if they don’t make the next camp, but not impossible. They have been out for a while so I’d like them to have the practice.”

All three homes games will be shown live on SBS.

Sermanni is pleased, “It’s great for women’s football and it’s a real boost for the game. The players will be delighted, as long as they play well!”

“I’d be delighted with a 0-0 in Korea. They are a formidable side, probably the best team in Asia.”


June 3 DPR Korea v Matildas 12:00 am Pyongyang
June 10 Matildas v DPR Korea 3.00 pm Coffs Harbour