Matildas Midfielder Clare Wheeler Focuses on Control Ahead of Crucial Asian Cup Quarter-Final
Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler has pinpointed 'control' as the essential buzzword for the Australian team as they prepare for their high-stakes Women's Asian Cup quarter-final against North Korea in Perth. With the match set for Friday at HBF Park, Wheeler emphasized that the squad will draw on past experiences, including the 2023 Women's World Cup, to manage pressure and game tempo effectively.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Key Players
Australia's campaign faces potential setbacks as left-back Steph Catley and winger Hayley Raso race against time to recover from concussions. Catley was substituted during the 3-3 draw against South Korea on Sunday, following Raso's similar injury against Iran last Thursday. While neither player has been officially ruled out, Raso has traveled to Perth, indicating a possible return, whereas Catley remains in Sydney for now.
Wheeler expressed confidence in the medical team's handling of the situation but noted uncertainty regarding their availability. "With every concussion, it's different from person to person. There are protocols in place, and she (Hayley) is working with the medical team to get back in line with her protocols," she said. "She travels with the team, and we're taking it day-by-day."
Learning from Past Matches and Managing Pressure
Reflecting on the recent draw with South Korea, which cost Australia top spot in Group A, Wheeler agreed with coach Joe Montemurro's frustration over game management. "There were moments where we had control and moments where we didn't. It just comes down to game management and controlling the flow and tempo," she explained. "Going into the next game, it's about understanding when to force it forward and when to slow it down."
Wheeler highlighted the importance of using pressure as motivation, drawing from the World Cup experience. "A lot of this group was at the World Cup, and we've felt that pressure before. It's using that pressure as fuel and not letting it control us," she added. "It's good to learn those lessons in the group stage because now every game counts, and you don't get a second chance."
Preparing for an Unfamiliar Opponent
With North Korea being a relatively unknown entity, having last faced the Matildas a decade ago, Wheeler acknowledged the challenge. "They're a bit of a dark horse. Not many of us have played against them in recent years, so we're reviewing footage and piecing together our approach," she said. Australia will utilize an extra day of rest to analyze mistakes from the South Korea match and refine their strategy.
The team's focus remains on controlling the game's tempo and leveraging their collective experience to secure a spot in the semi-finals, as they aim to overcome both injury hurdles and a formidable opponent in this critical tournament stage.
