Young Matildas spurred by seniors' success
Oct 18, 2017 - 7:14 AM The Matildas' recent achievements have given their under-20 counterparts extra incentive to reach their first World Cup in more than a decade.Young Matildas coach Gary van Egmond says the senior women's soccer team's success has shown his own side, who are currently competing at the AFC's under-19 women's championship in China, what they too could do.
He says key points of inspiration have been the Matildas recording their first win against the United States in the 2017 Tournament of Nations and reaching the 2016 Olympics after 12 years away from the event.
"There's definitely a rub off from that," he said.
"To see what they're achieving (it) becomes more of a reality for any of the Australian underpinning teams as well," he said.
The Young Matildas have made a strong start to the AFC tournament with a 3-0 win against South Korea on Monday.
They will next face Japan on Thursday before rounding out the pool stage against Vietnam on Sunday.
Finishing in the top two of Group B would yield a semi-finals berth, while a top three finish in the competition overall will mean qualifying for the under-20 World Cup in 2018.
That would be the first such qualification for the Young Matildas since 2006.
Van Egmond said there's "a lot of potential" in the current group, which includes three senior internationals in Alex Chidiac, Ellie Carpenter and Princess Ibini.
Emily Condon was another to have caught his eye in the clash with South Korea, after stepping in to replace Cortnee Vine who was suffering from concussion.
"She's come onto the field and did wonderful - she was excellent," he said.
Van Egmond isn't underestimating the opposition ahead, with Japan having beaten Vietnam 8-0.
He said the Young Matildas will try to take Japan out of their comfort zone.
"You win this game, you've nearly got your foot through to the semis," he said.
Source: AAP
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