- Julie Foudy predicts a gloomy Olympics for the Matildas in Paris
- Tony Gustavsson’s team are feared to be in trouble without Sam Kerr
- Foudy won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women’s national team.
Football legend Julie Foudy has controversially claimed that the Matildas will not win a medal at the Paris Olympics.
Foudy, 53, is better qualified than most to offer an opinion given her decorated career.
The midfielder won two World Cups with the U.S. women’s national team and also two Olympic gold medals before finishing her international career with 274 caps to her name and 45 goals.
He was also the first American soccer star to receive the FIFA Fair Play Award.
Foudy does not believe the Matildas can overcome the absence of superstar striker Sam Kerr.
“I think they can get out of their group, but I think this time it might be too much without Sam Kerr… (plus) Caitlin Foord, who is coming back from injury, and Katrina Gorry, in midfield, who is coming back from injury,” Foudy said. News Corporation.
‘I’m worried that they (Matildas) don’t have the health (depth) to sustain them.
“We know we are going to need all 16 players (in this tournament), it is hard work.”
Football legend Julie Foudy has controversially claimed that the Matildas will not win a medal at the Paris Olympics
Foudy does not believe the Matildas can overcome the absence of superstar striker Sam Kerr (pictured is Mary Fowler, who accepts the pressure she will have on her shoulders in Paris)
Veteran forward Michelle Heyman has been drafted into the Matildas’ Olympic squad as a direct exchange for Sam Kerr.
Foudy also cast doubt on whether the United States can advance beyond the group stage, which includes the Matildas, Germany and Zambia.
“It’s a younger group, obviously having moved on with some of the older players and I think that was necessary,” he said.
‘They could win or they could be eliminated from the group.
“I’m hopeful about that group because they seem to have their energy back, I’m just worried that they haven’t had enough time to get on the same page as (new coach Emma) Hayes wants.”
The Matildas begin their Olympic campaign against Germany on Friday 26 July at 3am (AEST).
Steph Catley will captain the team, with Kerr providing moral support from the bench as she continues her recovery after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in January.
Young Mary Fowler is expected to be the Matildas’ X-factor, and she welcomes the challenge.
“The first one (Tokyo Olympics) was a bit different because I didn’t expect it and it was a childhood dream of mine, so I cried knowing I had achieved it,” she said.
‘This time, I’m focusing more on tournaments, on football.
“I want to go there and I want to win, and I want to help the team as much as I can.”