Unluckiest Matilda Chloe Logarzo collapses on live TV as Australia beat France after injuries saw her barely miss out on World Cup squad
Matildas star Chloe Logazo couldn’t contain her emotions as the Aussies advanced to their first World Cup semi-final by beating France on Saturday night and bursting into tears in a heartfelt illustration of how much victory means to the country.
The 28-year-old was heartbroken when she was part of Australia’s provisional 29-man World Cup squad in June, but missed out due to a foot injury when the final 23-man squad was selected on July 3.
Instead, she signed on to provide expert—and sometimes emotional—commentary during Optus’ coverage of the tournament.
Logarzo revealed that she “cried a lot” when the Aussies won their warm-up game against the French before the Cup kicked off, but that paled in comparison to her heartfelt reaction as the Matildas beat Les Bleues in their quarter-final.
Lorgazo (pictured, right) had to put down her microphone, dry her eyes and hold back tears as she explained what Matildas’ victory meant to her
The 28-year-old (pictured playing for Australia) was part of Matildas’ provisional World Cup squad, but injury issues left her out of the final line-up for the tournament.
The Western United A-League captain cried as she revealed what the win meant for her and her Matildas teammates.
“What people don’t understand is that we’ve been in this situation twice before and we’ve lost big tournaments on penalties,” she said.
“I’m so proud of the people who missed those penalties, who stood up and took them, because it takes a lot of courage to be able to do it.
“I couldn’t be more proud that we’re making history and I can just feel how great it feels… I’m just so proud.”
Logarzo was so overwhelmed she had to put down her microphone and dab her eyes with a tissue as she came to.
The Western United A-League skipper was unable to beat a string of debilitating injuries after recovering from a torn ACL she suffered against Ireland in 2021.
Logarzo (pictured at the Dolan Warren Awards in June) reflected on past defeats on penalties after the Aussies triumphed over France on Saturday night
Just before the start of the tournament, she told Daily Mail Australia that “there will probably be some tears” as she covered the cup.
“I cried a lot to France (during the warm-up game), but I said to the girls: I don’t need to wish them luck because I know how much work they put into it.
“I think everyone knows this isn’t where I’d like to be…but I’m excited to play a role, no matter what role it is, in this in this role (on TV). I’m going to take it easy.’
Logarzo will once again be on deck for Optus when the Matildas face England at 8pm on Wednesday with a place in the World Cup final on the line.