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Caitlin Foord is enjoying her football and expressing herself, and she hopes the Matildas can reap the benefits in their do-or-die Women’s World Cup clash with Denmark.
Australia’s brilliant forward has played a selfless role across the opening three games, amid Sam Kerr’s injury-enforced absence.
But after switching to the left wing and starring in the 4-0 win over Canada that booked a ticket to the round of 16, the 28-year-old appears ready to kick things up a gear in Monday’s game at Stadium Australia.
Foord said she had enjoyed playing centrally against Ireland and Nigeria, but found another gear against the Olympic champions.
“When I’m just not thinking too much and just play the game and play it off instinct is when I’m at my best,” she said.
“I do feel like I’m in a good place and I feel prepared for the games. Maybe that Canada game, what seemed like a pressure moment, was nice to just be able to go out and to not put any pressure on myself, just do my role for the team.
“That’s what I just tried to go out and do and those things just come naturally.
“Obviously, I was out on the left with Steph (Catley) which I’m very comfortable with, playing club (at Arsenal) and country. We’ve played lots of games together and yeah, we just connected well and it just flowed.
“So I guess that’s why I maybe looked like I was having a bit more fun.”
Coach Tony Gustavsson wants his star mover to keep expressing herself.
“My job as a national team coach is not about over-coaching players and trying to keep them in a small frame,” he said.
“She should have a big frame and paint whatever pictures she wants.
“Because she’s so creative and when she plays on instinct and is in a good place mentally she’s just a world-class player.
“It’s about putting the right player in the right position in the right mindset and we got that right against Canada and doing the same against Denmark is going to be key.”
NSW’s Foord encouraged her local crowd to take a leaf out of Melbourne’s book and deliver the perfect audience.
“We love a big crowd. We love a loud crowd,” Foord said.
“It’s been incredible playing in front of big numbers, but I still think Sydney can be louder, and I hope it is tomorrow. I think, by far at the moment, Melbourne has definitely taken top notch.
“So I definitely want my home team to take that up being here in Sydney again.”
Sweden players celebrate. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Defending champions the United States have crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after losing to Sweden 5-4 on penalties in the round of 16.
Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was the hero for Sweden, keeping scores deadlocked at 0-0 despite her side being totally outplayed by the tournament-favourite Americans for two hours.
Lina Hurtig scored the deciding spot kick in dramatic circumstances to settle a gripping shootout, which had misses from both sides.
Hurtig’s low shot floated upwards after being blocked by Alyssa Naeher, who then swatted the ball away, and was initially ruled not to have crossed the line.
But that decision was overruled on review, sparking wild scenes among the Swedish players and fans at a packed AAMI Park on Sunday night.
It is the first time the US have been beaten before the semi-final stage, while Sweden advance to face Japan in a quarter-final in Auckland on Friday.
Musovic did not make a save in the shootout but three American misses, including one by legend Megan Rapnioe and a crucial shot off the post by Kelley O’Hara before Hurtig’s winner, led to Sweden’s triumph.
In a clash of two genuine heavyweights, the top-ranked Americans created the bulk of the chances against world No.3 Sweden, who managed just one shot on target.
The energetic Trinity Rodman twice had fierce shots beaten away by Musovic and won the corner that led to Horan’s strong header crashing against the crossbar with Musovic beaten.
Dangerous at set pieces, Sweden created several nervous moments for the US with balls into the area but couldn’t manage a first-half shot on target.
Horan had American fans off their seats in the second half with a stinging right-foot shot that looked destined for the net.
It was pushed wide by a superb reflex save from Musovic, who was blindsided and only saw it late.
Lynn Williams replaced Rodman after 65 minutes and caused headaches for Sweden with her pace down the right flank.
Sweden didn’t manage a shot on target until the 85th minute when Sofia Jakobsson fired directly at Alyssa Naeher.
Musovic saved Alex Morgan’s close-range header from a Williams cross in the 89th minute.
Morgan was denied again in extra time before making way for Rapinoe and Williams had her low shot parried.
USA co-captain Lindsey Horan said: “First and foremost I am so proud of the team, a lot went into this performance. We went out and did it, I think we played beautiful football today. We created chances but didn’t score. Penalties suck, they are cruel. I am proud of every player who stepped up today, it is courage to take one. Being able to come out of group stage where we didn’t perform our best and coming out today [and performing well].”
© AAP
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