Cooney-Cross named to Olympic qualifiers squad

FORMER Surf Coast soccer prodigy and Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross will hopefully help the Matildas into the Paris Olympics after being named to the 23-player qualifying squad.

Cooney-Cross will join head coach Tony Gustavsson and the rest of the squad in a two-match home-and-away series on February 24 at Tashkent’s Milliy Stadium against world number 47, Uzbekistan, before returning to Australia for a game at Marvel Stadium on February 28.

The victor of the series will head to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as one of the Asian Football Confederation’s two representatives.

“After a significant 2023 and well-earned break, we are itching to come together with a clear focus and mission in front of us as we look to complete the first phase of our Olympic journey,” Gustavsson said.

“We appreciate the task ahead of us.

“Uzbekistan is equally motivated to create their own nation’s history and will be a well-prepared opponent.”

In her first season with Arsenal, Cooney-Cross has appeared in seven matches, providing a pair of assists through 316 minutes of pitch time.

Gustavsson said selecting the squad had been a challenge with a lot of moving parts.

“From injuries to some players and reduction of competitive match minutes for other players due to off-seasons.

“The challenge has also created opportunity, with consistent performers provided an opening to be contributors during a vital set of Olympic qualifiers.

“We have been evaluating players consistently in recent months and our goal has been to find the balance between the most in form and those who will work well in terms of on pitch connections and chemistry.”

Both games will be broadcast on Paramount Plus in Australia.