CommBank Matildas defender Charli Grant said that it was exciting to get minutes as part of two games against Brazil that were “really good exposure” for the team.
She was speaking in the aftermath of Australia’s 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Sunday evening.
“It was very tough against Brazil,” she said.
“They put up a very physical match, but I think it was really good exposure for us to see where we’re at.
“It was really exciting to get some minutes… it was definitely a bit of a relief to go out there and play, and just be myself out there.”
Coming into the second half as a defender was never going to be an easy task, but she was full of belief.
“It’s not easy coming in as a defender, especially against a team like Brazil who are so fast-paced in transition and very aggressive,” she said.
“But I think with the players around me, they made me feel comfortable stepping in. You just have to be focused from the get-go and back yourself out there.
“My mindset going in was just to believe in myself and enjoy the moment. It’s not very often that you get to play for your country against a number eight in the world.
“I’m just really grateful for the opportunity and always feel honoured to step out on that pitch in that jersey.”
She expressed that the team will take a lot from the two games.
“It was really exciting football out there, so to be involved in it was fun,” she said.
“Of course it was disappointing to concede two goals, but I think we should take a lot of confidence from creating a lot of opportunities in the final third.
“Hopefully going forward, we can be more clinical and finish those chances.”
Attention now turns to two matches against Chinese Taipei, who will present a different kind of challenge to Brazil.
“Chinese Taipei are a different style of team again, and I think that’s really important going into the Asian Cup to prepare ourselves for that,” Grant said.
“But I think it’s also exciting for more opportunities for players to maybe debut, or to just get more minutes and show themselves.
“It’s a dream of all of ours to play at this level, and it’s definitely something that we don’t take for granted, but it’s also very exciting to see the new talent that we’ve got coming through.”
The two upcoming games will be held in Melbourne and Geelong. Grant said that she is excited to return to Victoria in CommBank Matildas colours.
“We love coming back to Melbourne, they always bring such good energy to that game,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the fans there, and hopefully we can get a good result for them.”
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Wednesday, 4 December 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Chinese Taipei
Date: Saturday, 7 December 2024
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
Broadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets