- Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine have both withdrawn from friendlies
- Matildas star Caitlin Foord has spoken out about the complex situation
- Matildas will take on Brazil at Suncorp on Thursday evening
Matildas sensation Caitlin Foord has spoken about Mary Fowler’s decision to prioritize her physical and mental health as Australia prepare to test their mettle against Olympic silver medalists Brazil.
The Matildas are back at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday for the first of two friendlies against Brazil.
They also play the world number 8 on the Gold Coast on Sunday evening before flying to Melbourne for two friendlies against Taiwan next month.
Cortnee Vine, who scored the winning penalty against France, is not in the squad as she takes a mental health break.
Young gun Mary Fowler has also withdrawn to manage physical and mental fatigue.
The Australian forward has had a busy start to the new season, continuing to play for both Matildas and City, while also holidaying with friend Nathan Cleary in Britain and Europe.
Caitlin Foord says female footballers are in much more demand these days, but ‘playing matches is all we’ve ever wanted’
Matildas and Manchester City star Mary Fowler has taken a break from the national team due to mental fatigue
While Foord supports her teammates in their decisions to take good care of themselves, she also notices how women’s football has been crying out for attention for years.
‘That’s how the game goes. There are many more games. A lot more is asked of us to play,” said Foord.
“I mean, this is where every female footballer wanted the match to go and, yes, the planning, that’s obviously up to the leagues and the federations to discuss how that should be.
“But for us, playing games is all we’ve ever wanted.
“And the fact that players can take a break to improve their mental health and get their headspace right is obviously positive.”
Returning to Suncorp Stadium – the scene of their World Cup quarter-final victory over France – will be a special occasion.
“It’s a weird one,” Foord said.
‘There are mixed emotions here, because we obviously had such a great experience with the penalty shootout and that match against France, after which we lost the last match here (third place play-off) against Sweden.
The Matildas are back at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday for a friendly against Brazil
“But I think overall the better memories will stay in your mind when we come here to Brisbane.”
The Matildas will celebrate retiring champion and playing record holder Clare Polkinghorne during Thursday’s match in her home city.
‘It’s huge. I am so honored to be here and share her final match with her,” said Foord.
“She’s probably been on all my hats. She has given so much to the game here in Australia.
“I’m just happy that we can give her a wonderful send-off, as she deserves.”