The Matildas fell 1-0 to Sweden in their opening match of the Algarve Cup in Albufeira, Portugal this morning (AEST).

Van Egmond came up against Wolfsburg teammate and club captain Nilla Fischer in the crucial clash.

The tall midfielder and Elise Kellond-Knight (Turbine Potsdam) were late arrivals into the squad as they are both arriving from the Bundesliga mid-season.

23-year-old van Egmond has experience in Australia, Denmark, US and now her second season in Germany after playing her first with 1 FFC Frankfurt.

“This season in Europe has been a good one so far, I'm at one of the best  women's football clubs in the world training and playing against the best players every day,” Van Egmond told FourFourTwo.

“I couldn't ask for a better environment at the moment and I'm really enjoying my football. The NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) is also a highly regarded league of course as the USA women's team has been so successful for many years.

“I think it's a little different to the Bundesliga and the European leagues but all leagues are unique and have their own strengths.”

Van Egmond training with Kyah Simon during the Olympics last year

The Matildas now have Netherlands and China PR to come in the Algarve Cup and consistency in good performances was key in their progression as a nation.

Coach Alen Stajcic opted to bring the inexperienced youngsters Ellie Carpenter, Alex Chidiac and Amy Harrison in light of his new “four-year-cycle”.

 


Harrison earned her fourth cap for the Matildas when she came on for Kyah Simon in the 83rd minute this morning.

“It looks like everybody has been working hard, I know the girls had a few camps before they came over here,” she said.

“It's good for new players to experience international football of course and they wouldn't be here if they didn't deserve it.

“I think it's important to do as well as you can no matter what the tournament is. That builds a winning team and I think that's one thing the Matildas now want to strive towards to always being as consistent as possible.

“We are a top 10 team who should be going out every game with a winning mentality and mindset.”