The Matildas’ recent wins were proof coach Tony Gustavsson’s vision for the team was on the right track, Victory midfielder Alex Chidiac said.
Slammed in June for a 7-0 loss to Spain, Gustavsson has since coached Australia to four straight wins, including a historic 4-0 victory against world No.2 Sweden and Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat of Thailand.
Chidiac, who replaced Sam Kerr in the 62nd minute in Gosford, said the result was another confidence builder ahead of next year’s World Cup and an endorsement of the direction Gustavsson was taking the team.
“It’s hard it’s hard to tell when you’re on the outside – and I’ve been in and out as well, so I’m speculating too, to some extent, but we knew things were going to be rocky at the beginning and that’s what happens sometimes,” Chidiac said.
“As a national team we get 10-day pockets throughout the year to build something special and that’s challenging. Tony came in with a clear vision of where he wanted to go. He’s been trialling new things, different formations, and now we’re honing in on what we think is going to be the best game plan coming into a World Cup year.
“We know we have a lot more to bring and it’s going to be really exciting to see that come to fruition.”
Alex Chidiac, says the upcoming A-League Women season will be an audition for World Cup selection.Credit:Getty
Chidiac was speaking at the launch of the new A-League Women’s season, which kicks off on Saturday with an expanded format. The Victory star, who will return to America’s National Women’s Soccer League with Louisville after 12 games for Melbourne’s reigning champions, said the lure of the coming World Cup meant players would be bringing their best in the domestic league.
“Anyone can break into the squad from the coming season,” she said. “A few players last season did that, got call-ups and made it to the Asian Cup, and wore the national colours that way, so there’s opportunities out there for everybody.
“For those already in the mix, it’s all about putting in strong performances week in, week out, to show we deserve to be there. The team is not set in stone, a lot more work needs to be done, so how we play this season means something for our chances. That will be a big focus for all of us.”
The expanded league welcomes a third Melbourne club, Western United, taking competition numbers to a record 11 teams. Every match will be broadcast live and free on 10 Play.
Chidiac is one of a number of Matildas regulars set to bring star power to the league, joining Chloe Logarzo (Western United), Remy Siemsen (Sydney FC), Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar), Emma Checker (Melbourne City) and Elise Kellond-Knight, also at Victory.
The 23-year-old globetrotter, who has put in stints in Spain, Japan and the US since debuting for Australia at 16, said she was excited to be playing at home ahead of next year’s tournament.
“This is our league in Australia and we want it to be really strong,” she said. “A lot of us came through this league and it’s really exciting that it’s been extended, because that will provide more opportunities for players and lead to a stronger season. I’m really excited to be part of it, especially leading into a home World Cup.”
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