Raso: These are the type of games we need

CommBank Matildas forward Hayley Raso said the upcoming fixture against World No.3 Germany was the kind of game that the team needs as they begin preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™.

She was speaking from Karlsruhe, Germany, where the squad are assembling ahead of games against Germany and Haiti.

“We actually looked into it last night, and there are not that many camps or matches before the World Cup, so every one is so important,” she said.

“Having a game against a top side like Germany is really important. We know how tough and physical they're going to be. We've played against them a few times before, and these are the type of games we need to prepare us for what's to come next year.”

Raso is in familiar surrounds, having played for Eintracht Frankfurt for the past two seasons. She plays alongside fellow Australian Jamilla Rankin.

“Jamilla and I just got in the car and travelled an hour and a half yesterday. It was a cruisy trip with no jet lag, so it feels good,” she said.

“There are a few girls from Eintracht in the German squad, so I know them personally and on a good level. Playing against Germany before and playing in the league, I know how tough, physical, and strong they are. I know what a challenge the game's going to be.”

The last time they met – during Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni’s first window in charge, in 2024 – Australia were 2-1 winners thanks to goals to Clare Hunt and Kyra Cooney-Cross. It came on the back of a heavy defeat to the same side during the Paris Olympics.

“We’ve played against them a couple of times, and I think that we know that they're a tough team,” Raso explained.

“The Germans are strong, they're fit, they can run. They play good football here in Europe. So every game we go into, we have confidence, we trust ourselves and we trust our ability to do what we know how to do. I think that's important - but we also respect the opponent. We know they're going to be a tough game. 

“We’re obviously looking at it as preparation. It's a building block for us and one we're looking to go in and win.”

She gave insight into the competitive environment within the squad, with limited games to impress Head Coach Joe Montemurro before the World Cup next year.

“Being in the national team, it's a competitive environment. That's what it's like to be at the elite level,” she said.

“But it's also like that at our clubs, week in, week out. You're always competing. You're working hard for yourself. You're wanting to get a spot on the starting team in the squad each week, and it's the same here. It's just naturally a competitive environment. Everyone's competing against each other, but we're also working towards the same goal. 

“The goal for us is preparing for the World Cup and making sure we're at the top of our game, so we're prepared when that moment comes.”

There are three fresh faces in the squad for the two games. Tori Tumeth, Courtney Newbon and Hana Lowry are all in line to make their senior debuts during the fixtures.

“It's really nice to welcome in fresh faces,” Raso said.

“I'm just really looking forward to getting onto the pitch with them. I think it's such an exciting time for them to be able to show what they're about, come into this environment and compete at the top level. They're probably all really excited and looking forward to it, and it's always nice to have new people in this environment. It’ll be really good, and I'm looking forward to seeing them out there.”