Caitlin Foord playing against Ireland in the 2023 WWC. Photo credit: Matildas Website
Arsenal and Australia forward Caitlin Foord hopes to make her nation proud as she competes in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With this year’s tournament hosted where her footballing journey started, lifting the trophy would be a dream come true. Australia began their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland. 3 points put them off to a good start, but with a long road ahead, they will have to improve their performance if they want to progress to the knockout stages.
Ireland defended well in the opening game and Australia struggled to break them down. Foord showed her quality by creating chances for her team but was unable to convert them into a goal. After hitting the side netting and a header that almost went in, she gave the fans a glimpse into what she can provide for her team.
A disappointing loss in their 2nd game against Nigeria means the hosts need a win against Canada to progress. Although they didn’t get the result, Caitlin still managed an impressive performance and an assist.
With the most attempts on goal for her team, it is clear that Foord is the key to unlocking the Matildas chances of advancing in this tournament.
Caitlin made her senior international debut back in 2011 in a friendly against New Zealand. At just 16 years old, she was a young talent with huge potential. Since then, she has gained over 100 caps and scored many goals for the team.
Major tournaments are familiar territory for the Aussie, featuring in 8 so far. Germany 2011 was her first World Cup call-up. She made it to the quarterfinals and was named Best Young Player of the Tournament. This was just the start of an exciting future for Caitlin and the Matildas.
Who would have thought A young girl from Shellharbour would become an international superstar?
Sydney FC, Sky Blue FC, and Vegalta Sendai were just a few of the teams lucky enough to have Caitlin play for them during her youth journey as a footballer. During this time, she won several awards and developed into the player she is today. A threat to most oppositions and a credit to her teammates, Foord is definitely a key part of Australia’s success.
In 2020, Foord made the move from Portland Thorns to Arsenal where she regained her love for football. Despite experiencing many highs with both her country and previous clubs, Caitlin felt that change was needed. England became her new home, and it wasn’t long before she became a fan favourite at Meadow Park. Aggressive in attack, she has a strong eye for goal. Scoring 29 goals for her country and 6 goals in 5 starts for Arsenal this season, it is no shock that she will be looking to add more during the World Cup. Not only does Foord have the ability to score, she knows how to give her teammates the glory too. Although being the top goal scorer is a forward’s target, creating chances is what wins games.
Caitlin Foord has been a pivotal part of both the success of Arsenal and Australia. She is skillful, hard-working, and a true example of leading without being captain. During a time of hardship for Arsenal, Foord stepped up, proving her importance in the team. Along with Maanum and others, the team were able to reach the Champions League semi-final and become Conti Cup champions.
Eideval speaks highly of his player. He explained how she is an integral part of the team.
“She is one of the best forwards in the world and has performed to a consistently high standard for us during my time here, providing some crucial goals and delivering on the biggest stages”
💬 "I lost my love for the game a little bit. I was just going through the motions,"@CaitlinFoord shares how she went from losing her love of the game to proudly representing her country in her fourth #FIFAWWC.#Matildas #TilitsDone @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/bpnZGelH0C
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 22, 2023
Playing in the World Cup is what most players dream of. For Caitlin and the Matildas, this year is extra special. Hosting the tournament gives the team extra support and confidence but also adds pressure to perform in front of a home crowd.
“Having family, friends, the fans who have followed us throughout our careers able to come to the World Cup is very different and we do have an opportunity to change the game here in Australia.”
As the Aussies continue their journey at the 2023 FIFA WWC can Caitlin Foord help her team to lift the trophy for the first time?
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