Matildas star Cortnee Vine shocks fans by taking an indefinite break from soccer due to mental health worries
- Australians return home for two friendlies
- Will be without several big names for the clashes
- Including World Cup star who became a household name
World Cup heroine Cortnee Vine is taking a break from football to focus on her mental health.
On Friday, Vine was again a notable absentee from interim coach Tom Sermanni’s expanded squad for the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan after not making herself available for selection.
The dashing winger was a star in the A-League Women competition but was thrust into the national spotlight when she scored the winning penalty in Australia’s marathon penalty shootout against France in the Cup quarter-final.
Vine, 26, has missed several recent camps for personal reasons while also trying to settle into life at NWSL club North Carolina Courage, which she joined from Sydney FC in the offseason.
“I’m sure many people can understand that my life has changed dramatically over the past two years,” Vine said in a statement released by her management.
‘Through these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I have found that identifying, managing and prioritizing my mental health has become something I have had to work very hard on.
‘Like many who struggle with mental health issues, I have my good days and difficult days, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance.
‘For now I need to focus on taking care of myself, so I’m taking some time off.
“I really appreciate everyone’s support and concern, and I am confident that I will come back stronger than ever.”
Cortnee Vine became a household name with the winning penalty goal against France in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup
Vine, who is being harassed by her Matildas teammates, will take an indefinite break from the sport
Seven uncapped players and eight with 10 caps or fewer have been selected in the 36-man squad for two matches against Brazil in Queensland on November 28 and December 1, and two against Taiwan in Victoria on December 4 and 7.
The first match, in Brisbane, will see the end of veteran Clare Polkinghorne’s celebration, while Emily van Egmond will earn her 150th cap.
Tottenham winger Hayley Raso is back from a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Teagan Micah returns from an ankle problem. Chloe Logarzo, Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac have all been recalled.
Not all players gather for the entire camp.
Sermanni hopes to field teams with a mix of established stars and less experienced counterparts.
“There will be players who play in the first two games and then some will go back, some will stay, and then players will come in for the second two games,” Sermanni said.
Vine will be one of several big names missing, including injured skipper Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr will not be involved as she continues her recovery from an ACL tear.
“It’s getting a little better in rehab, but in reality it’s probably still a 12-month injury,” Sermanni said.
Kaitlyn Torpey (hamstring) is unavailable.
Isabel Gomez, Leah Davidson, Natasha Prior and Hana Lowry are among those awarded first call-ups.
Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison has not been included because her move from the United States has not been completed and Football Australia is waiting for FIFA.
Sermanni reiterated his willingness to remain in the interim role for as long as necessary as the FA’s hunt for a permanent full-time coach continues.
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