- Australians return home for two friendly matches
- He will not have several renowned players for the confrontations
- It includes the World Cup star who became a household name.
World Cup hero Cortnee Vine is taking a break from soccer to focus on her mental health.
On Friday, Vine was again a notable absentee from interim coach Tom Sermanni’s expanded squad for the Matildas’ upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan after being unavailable for selection.
The dashing winger was a star of the Women’s A-League competition but catapulted to national fame when she scored the winning penalty in Australia’s marathon penalty shootout victory over France in the Cup quarter-finals.
Vine, 26, has missed several recent camps for personal reasons as he tried to adjust to life with NWSL club North Carolina Courage, which he joined from Sydney FC in the off-season.
“I’m sure many people can appreciate that my life has changed dramatically over the past two years,” Vine said in a statement provided by her management.
‘Due to these new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I have found that identifying, managing and prioritizing my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on.
‘Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult days, but each day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance.
‘For now, I need to focus on looking after myself, so I’ll be taking some time off.
“I really appreciate everyone’s support and concern and I’m sure I will come back stronger than ever.”
Cortnee Vine made a name for herself with her game-winning penalty goal against France in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Vine, harassed by her Matildas teammates, will take an indefinite break from the sport
Seven non-international players and eight with 10 or fewer caps have been selected in the 36-player squad for two matches against Brazil, in Queensland on November 28 and December 1, and two against Taiwan in Victoria on November 4 and 7. December.
The first match, in Brisbane, will be the celebration match for retired veteran Clare Polkinghorne, while Emily van Egmond is due to make her 150th cap.
Tottenham winger Hayley Raso returns from a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Teagan Micah returns from an ankle problem. Chloe Logarzo, Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac have been called up.
Not all players will meet for the entire camp.
Sermanni hopes to field teams with a mix of established stars and less experienced counterparts.
“There will be players who will play in the first two games and then some will come back, some will stay and then players will come in for the second two games,” Sermanni said.
Vine will be one of several big names missing, including injured captain Sam Kerr.
Sam Kerr will not participate as he continues to recover from a torn ACL.
“Things are getting a little better in rehab, but in reality it’s probably still a 12-month injury,” Sermanni said.
Kaitlyn Torpey (hamstring) is not available.
Isabel Gómez, Leah Davidson, Natasha Prior and Hana Lowry are among those rewarded with their first call-ups.
Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison is not included as her eligibility change from the United States has not been made, with Football Australia awaiting FIFA.
Sermanni again stressed that he was prepared to fill the interim role for as long as necessary while the FA searches for a permanent full-time coach.
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