Sharn Freier said she was “stoked” to score her first goal in green and gold during the ‘B’ International Match against Canada in Marbella, Spain on Sunday morning (AEST).
While the game does not count towards official national team records, it was a confidence booster in a performance that Head Coach Tony Gustavsson described as a “breakthrough” for the Queenslander.
“I was quite grateful for the opportunity to start and get some extra minutes with the girls,” she expressed after the game. “Obviously, we're a little disappointed with the result but I think it was a good match to play against a quality side and to practice everything we’ve been working on in training.”
Her start was a late decision after Caitlin Foord felt some quad awareness during the warm-up. Freier took the opportunity in her stride.
“I didn’t really have time to think!” she recalled. “I just tried not to put too much pressure on myself and use it as an experience.
“With Caitlin not starting it was just about knowing my set pieces and where I needed to be."
A conversation with captain Ellie Carpenter helped to settle her into the match.
“She said it’s just a normal game,” Freier recounted. “It’s just like training. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and go out and do your thing. That helps to ease the nerves as well going in.
“The team is so supportive and they make you feel good out on the field. This allows you to do your thing, knowing you have the support from the girls and everyone around you.”
The goal was a big moment for the youngster, who will celebrate her 23rd birthday on the eve of the Olympic Games.
“I’m super proud,” she beamed, regarding the goal.
“It’s [about] combining, moving around and making sure you’re available for things like that, just getting numbers in the box, and finishing.
“We were attacking, Mary [Fowler] put her head up and I looked to come in to combine. And then I took the opportunity and it went in!”
A late change to the rules for the Olympic Games means that the alternates can be called upon for one game at a time if there are minor injuries to other members of the squad.
As a named alternate, the change means that Freier can dream of an Olympic debut if required.
“It is an exciting feeling,” she explained. “I think it’s good all around for the squad. There’s depth in the squad… it’s a good feeling for the four alternates. Anything to support the girls is what we’re here for.”
Overall, she said that the game was a good hit-out in the lead-up to the all-important game against Germany on July 25.
“Canada are a quality side,” she acknowledged. “I’m getting used to a bit of the physicality as well, it’s a different level of the game.”
“But I think getting a few touches on the ball in the first half and getting used to the game… it felt good to settle in. Then the second half felt a little bit more comfortable for me with the girls as well.”
AUSTRALIA | MATCH SCHEDULE | PARIS 2024™ OLYMPIC GAMES
Germany v Australia
Date: 25 July 2024 (local) / 26 July 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
Australia v Zambia
Date: 28 July 2024 (local) / 29 July 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Nice, Nice, France
Australia v United States
Date: 31 July 2024 (local) / 1 August 2024 (AEST)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AEST
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France