- The two-year-old girl unofficially became Matilda during the World Cup
- She delighted fans after the Australians’ 10-0 victory on Wednesday.
- Mom Katrina’s comments after the game will have her fans in suspense
Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper delighted Matildas fans by grabbing the microphone at her mother’s press conference after the Australians crushed Uzbekistan 10-0 to earn a place at the Paris Olympics.
The two-year-old left reporters baffled after Wednesday night’s game when she grabbed the microphone and said, “Bye!” before Gorry told her they had to leave because it was ‘Lanni’s turn’ to speak, referring to her teammate Alanna Kennedy.
However, Harper was in no hurry to get off the stage, prompting her mother to pick her up before she gave her a cute ‘Bye!’ to Kennedy, who then turned to reporters and said, “I’m sorry, I’m not as pretty as her.”
Harper is shown celebrating with her mother Katrina on the field after the Matildas’ 10-0 victory. The two-year-old became an unofficial member of the team at last year’s World Cup.
The unofficial 24th member of the Matildas World Cup squad was also seen grinning from ear to ear as she was thrown into the air by Kyra-Cooney Cross following the thrashing at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
After the victory, Gorry hinted that the Olympics could be the last major competition he participates in for his country.
Australia have come close to winning some major titles during the 31-year-old’s 13 years and 105 matches in the green and gold, notably finishing fourth at last year’s World Cup, fourth at the Tokyo Olympics and losing in the quarterfinals. 2022 Asian Cup finals.
“All of these things drive you and ignite something in you as an athlete,” Gorry said Wednesday night.
‘We always want to win. We can compete against the best. I think we have shown it in the World Cup and in recent years.
Gorry’s teammate Alanna Kennedy (right) told reporters, “I’m sorry, I’m not as pretty as her,” after Harper took over the microphone at the post-match press conference.
“It’s sad, obviously, that (the Olympics) is the last big tournament for some of us, but I think it could be a pretty special one.”
“Coming out strong would be amazing for all of us.”
Gorry had a great World Cup and excelled in the first half of the victory in Uzbekistan before being taken off at half-time to manage her workload.
He should be a shoo-in to make the Australian squad in Paris barring injury, but the nature of Wednesday night’s win has left coach Tony Gustavsson with a pleasant selection headache.
Michelle Heyman was not expected to push for a place in the Olympic team after being out of international football for six years, but her incredible four-goal haul in Melbourne turned that around.
Harper also shared an adorable moment with Kyra Cooney-Cross following the win.
Gorry played a good first half against Uzbekistan and should be a lock to make the Australian squad for the Olympics after hinting it could be his last major tournament for his country.
As superstar striker Sam Kerr battles to overcome his serious knee injury in time to be fit for the Games, the Aussies need all the firepower they can get, and the 35-year-old has put her hand up for the best way possible.
“When I got there, I knew what Uzbekistan could bring and I knew exactly what I had to do to be successful,” Heyman said after the game.
“I believe in my ability and I know how hard I’ve worked to get here and I won’t stop.”
“I’m going to keep trying even harder for Canberra United and keep working on my fitness, speed and do everything I can to be one of those 16 outfield players going to Paris.”
