Caitlin Foord is well aware the Matildas are running out of time to prepare for triumph at a home Asian Cup.
But the star forward is confident a two-game series against bitter rivals New Zealand is the perfect way to sharpen the Matildas ahead of next year’s intercontinental tournament.
Joe Montemurro’s side will kick off final preparations on Friday, hosting the Football Ferns at Gosford’s Polytec Stadium.
The Matildas will then head to Adelaide’s Coopers Stadium on Tuesday for their last hit-out before the Asian Cup, which will start on March 1.
The Matildas have had mixed results in starting life under Montemurro, holding a 3-1-2 record since the former Lyon coach took the helm in June.
They host New Zealand off the back of a frustrating 3-0 defeat to European champions England in October, which proved a reality check.
“(Montemurro’s) message is the same as what I’ve said, is we need to get the most out of these games,” Foord said on Wednesday.
“We have to tighten up what didn’t really go well last camp and really make the most of these two games, because it is the final prep that we have.
“Once we get into camp before the Asian Cup, it’s going to come really fast.”
Foord is also confident players will remain sharp in clubland as the Matildas look to repeat their 2010 trophy run.
The 31-year-old joined Matildas camp after playing in Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid last Thursday.
“It is strange that these are the only two games we’ll have now leading in, but there’ll be a lot of football for all of us leading into that,” Foord said.
“Individually, we’ll be prepping as well to be in the best form we can coming into the tournament.”
Sam Kerr is set to play on home soil for the first time in two years after initial doubts over the superstar striker’s fitness.
The Matildas captain had been rested for two consecutive games by Chelsea as part of her ACL rehabilitation.
Manchester City starlet Mary Fowler remains sidelined following a knee reconstruction.
“She’s here, and she’s been part of training, so she looks fine to me,” Foord said.
Foord is no stranger to the fierceness of New Zealand on the pitch, having played the last time the two sides met in 2022.
Australia had overcome a stingy New Zealand defence to snare a 2-1 win with two stoppage-time goals in Townsville, before completing the series with a 3-1 victory in Canberra.
Asked if she felt New Zealand posed the perfect preparation, Foord easily recalled the 2022 friendlies.
“Yeah, it is. The last game we scored very late to win it, so it went down to the end, and they’re going to make it just as hard,” she said.
“They go very man-on-man. It will be difficult, and we have to create our own space.”
https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/matildas-to-ramp-up-asian-cup-prep-in-nz-friendlies-c-20798599
