The Women's Asian Cup 2026 is almost here, and one player is determined to make her mark and bring home the trophy. Katrina Gorry, a true Matildas legend, is ready to showcase her skills once again.
When discussing the ideal qualities of an Australian footballer, coaches often emphasize tenacity, aggression, passion, and a never-say-die attitude. Katrina Gorry embodies these traits and more. She lit up the 2014 tournament, earning the prestigious AFC Women's Footballer of the Year award. Now, at 33, she's still at the peak of her powers and is set to form a crucial midfield partnership with Kyra Cooney-Cross during the upcoming Women's Asian Cup, which begins this weekend.
"I've been driven by the desire to reach this tournament, play in front of our home fans, and hopefully walk away with the ultimate prize," Gorry shared. The team has experienced its fair share of highs and lows, including the thrilling 2023 Women's World Cup and the disappointing early exit from the Paris Olympics. But the appointment of Joe Montemurro as the new head coach has brought a fresh energy to the squad.
Australia last hosted the Women's Asian Cup in 2006, and the Matildas' sole victory came in 2010. While it's not ancient history, the women's game has evolved significantly since then, with most of the Matildas' top players now fully professional and plying their trade overseas. Gorry, who captains West Ham United in England's Women's Super League, knows that winning this tournament is not just a dream but a tangible goal.
"It's akin to our very own Euros. The caliber of teams participating is exceptional, and it will push us to our limits," she explained. "We have an incredible array of talent in our squad, with players boasting vast experience and success in top leagues worldwide. I truly believe this is our moment to leave our mark on the Asian tournament and bring that trophy home."
One of the Matildas' key strengths is the versatility across all positions, and midfielder Amy Sayer is generating particular excitement. "She's a fluid player, always creating something special out of seemingly nothing," Gorry praised. "She's reliable, works tirelessly, and generates chances. She's versatile and can fit into any position on the pitch."
Despite having only three international windows to prepare under Montemurro, Gorry remains confident. "Every moment we spend on the football field is dedicated to this tournament. Everyone has been working tirelessly, whether with their club teams or studying Joe's videos in camp. We're absorbing as much knowledge from him as possible."
The Matildas kick off their campaign against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday, followed by matches against Iran on the Gold Coast and South Korea in Sydney to complete the group stage. Catch the Matildas' opening game live on ABC radio (https://www.abc.net.au/listen) and follow the live blog on ABC Sport (https://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/football).
Will the Matildas finally claim the Asian Cup trophy? Only time will tell, but with players like Katrina Gorry leading the charge, they're certainly in with a fighting chance. What do you think? Could this be the year the Matildas reign supreme in Asia? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
