Arsenal Women’s stars Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord have been selected to represent the Matildas at the upcoming Paris Olympics. This selection highlights their exceptional performances at both club and international levels, marking a significant milestone in their careers. Playing for a prestigious team like Arsenal is a testament to their skill, but representing their country on an international stage is an honor that underscores their quality and dedication to the sport.
During the recent international break, Catley and Cooney-Cross were instrumental in Australia’s friendlies against China. In last Friday’s 1-1 draw, the trio were introduced as substitutes, though Foord’s appearance was cut short after just 15 minutes due to a suspected hamstring strain. Despite this setback, Catley and Cooney-Cross played the full 90 minutes in the second friendly, contributing to Australia’s 2-0 victory over China.
The upcoming Olympics, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th, will see the Arsenal trio vying for glory with the Matildas. This tournament may cause them to miss Arsenal’s tour of the USA, which features matches against the Washington Spirit on August 18th and Chelsea on August 25th at Audi Field in Washington. The participation of Catley, Cooney-Cross, and Foord in the Olympics is a proud moment for Arsenal, although the club will need to adapt to their absence during this period.
Other nations that have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 include Spain, USA, and Canada, with notable players like Laia Codina, Emily Fox, and Cloe Lacasse expected to be part of their respective squads. The final team rosters are anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks, potentially featuring more Arsenal players. The convergence of top talent at the Olympics promises an exciting competition, with Arsenal’s representatives poised to make a significant impact on the global stage.