The Matildas ran out 2-0 winners over Mexico.Credit:AP
Foord scored a stunning goal seven minutes into the second half,cutting in from the left flank as she so often does before finding space to curl the ball just inside the right post.
Why her name is not more often raised in conversations about the world’s best players is one that Gustavsson can’t quite work out.
“She’s starting to slowly get the credit that she deserves,” he said.
“I see a smart player,a technical player,but the one thing that she has that some smart and technical players doesn’t have is the commitment to defend. Look at her slide tackles,her off the ball work - she is committed like no-one else. Combine those two ... it’s rare,especially at the top,top,top level. And then look at her playing week-in,week-out in one of the best clubs in the world as well. I definitely think she’s one of the best ones.”
Tony Gustavsson has a lot to think about when it comes to his 18-player squad.Credit:Getty
Wheeler,he said,probably deserved to start on the strength of her Women’s Super League form for Everton,but seemed to tick the requisite boxes after coming in the second half.
Torpey was solid at left-back - not her usual position,but one she might be asked to play at the Olympics if she makes the cut for Australia’s 18-player squad. She’s surely firming to do just that.
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The machinations for the Paris squad remain as difficult as ever for Gustavsson,and to a large degree are subject to the diagnoses for injured players like Gorry and Hunt,who remain very much in doubt.
“Obviously the injury situation is a big question mark,” he said. “I’ll just tell every player to be as good as they can,and be ready,and knock on the door and make it difficult for me.”
Australia has only two more games locked in - friendlies against China in Adelaide and Sydney - before their Olympic campaign begins.
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