In a well-deserved break from their busy schedule, the Matildas, led by captain Sam Kerr, made a splash by hitting Perth’s City Beach on Monday. This leisurely outing came on the heels of two resounding wins during the international break, where the Matildas showcased their prowess on the field.
Amidst the tranquil beach setting, one conspicuous absence was NRL superstar Nathan Cleary. Speculation had been rife about a potential romance between Cleary, 25, and forward Mary Fowler, 20, ever since Australia’s triumphant World Cup campaign earlier this year. The pair had previously been spotted enjoying a walk along the Nepean River in August, keeping the rumor mill in motion.
Notably, Cleary made the journey to Perth’s Optus Stadium to witness the Matildas’ commanding 8-0 victory over the Philippines, despite residing in Sydney. This only added fuel to the ongoing speculation surrounding their relationship.
However, it was a “no men allowed” day at the beach, as Sam Kerr led her team to relax and rejuvenate. The players indulged in a refreshing dip in the ocean before basking in the sun on their beach towels, forming a perfect contrast to the intense matches they had recently played.
The Matildas’ focus remains undeterred, with coach Tony Gustavsson’s sights set on Olympic qualification. Despite already securing a spot in the next round of Olympic qualifying, the Matildas have their upcoming clash against Taiwan to prepare for, the world’s No.38-ranked side.
Gustavsson had previously fielded a second-string XI against Iran before unleashing his strongest lineup against the Philippines, which saw stellar performances from stars like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, who both scored hat-tricks. Rising star Mary Fowler and substitute Clare Wheeler also made their mark on the scoresheet.
With a three-day break between the Philippines match and the Taiwan clash, Gustavsson is contemplating his selections and preparing his players for the demanding schedule they may face if they qualify for the Paris Olympics next year.
As the Matildas soak up some well-deserved rest and relaxation, they are acutely aware that their journey to the Olympics will require a balance of performance and recovery. The challenges ahead, including the tight turnaround between matches, necessitate the utmost professionalism and preparedness from the team.
In the quest for Olympic qualification, the Matildas remain committed to their aspirations, both on and off the field. The scenic beach day provides them with a moment of respite before they return to the rigorous training and competition that lie ahead.
