CommBank Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond reflected on her special career after becoming the most-capped national team player against China PR on Tuesday evening.
She was speaking after the team’s 2-1 semi-final victory where they secured their place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ final. Van Egmond came off the bench in the second half to make her 170th appearance for the side.
“A lot of us have grown up together from a young age,” she said.
“What makes this team quite unique is the friendships that we've formed from a young age now, and to be able to share your career with some of your best mates is really special. I couldn't be more proud to become the most capped player alongside this group of girls.”
Head Coach Joe Montemurro praised van Egmond pre-match for her technical abilities on the field, but also her humility and team spirit on it. In typical fashion, she explained that her mind in the build up was purely on securing the result.
“To be honest with you, I wasn't really thinking about it for the game - I just wanted to go out and get the win, and we did that,” she said.
“It probably wasn't the prettiest of games tonight, but we got the job done, and we're into the final of the Asian Cup.
“I couldn't be more proud of the girls today to get the result done and be part of this amazing group.”
She said that the team showed character in their hard fought semi-final win.
“We just showed character,” she said.
“It was a tough game. Credit to China, they're a great side. They made it difficult for us tonight, physically. We got two great goals, one by Sammy [Kerr], one by Caitlin [Foord].
“Sometimes that's tournament football, and you've got to find a way to win. Tonight we did. So, off to the final we go.”
On Wednesday evening, the team found out that their opponent in the final would be Japan. Van Egmond said that the process for Australia’s preparation does not change.
“Every game is different, and every opponent poises a completely different challenge for us,” she said.
“The biggest thing we'll do is focus on ourselves like we have in every game this tournament, and we'll give it absolutely everything we've got.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Final
Japan v CommBank Matildas
Date: Saturday, 21 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Radio: ABC Sport & ABC Listen
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