Tara Murray
Western United trio Chloe Lincoln, Sasha Grove and Kahli Johnson have been selected in the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.
The trio were announced in the 21 player squad last week ahead of the event that kicks off later this month.
Johnson and Lincoln will appear in their second under-20 World Cups, having been part of the 2022 event.
Johnson said it was special to have another chance to represent Australia at an international event.
She said it’s a massive honour and privilege to have the opportunity.
“It is everything for me,” she said. “The first time when you’re selected for a junior national team and you pull on that jersey, it’s an unmatched feeling.
“I’ll never forget the first time I was privileged to do that and every single time I see my name on the back of the jersey and I’m able to put that on step onto that field and it’s an amazing feeling. “Something I don’t take for granted.”
Johnson, who has been a key in Western United’s first two seasons, said having been part of a World Cup before it would help with her preparation.
She said it’s very different from playing in Australia every week.
“I think knowing what it is like to be in that environment when you’re playing games back to back playing against different countries,” she said.
“It is definitely very different from playing different teams in your own country, different styles of football.
“I think knowing a little bit about what it is going to be like in terms of tournament style of football will definitely help and having a few girls with that kind of experience
“Also you never know what will happen and that is kind of the excitement about it, there’s so many different things at play, it’s pretty exciting.”
Johnson said playing in such big tournaments had helped boost her confidence in her own game and it was something she brought back to Western United.
The Young Matildas start their tournament against the host nation for a second straight World Cup, this time facing Colombia on August 31.
Johnson said she was keen to play in front of a crowd.
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato is eager to see the three players shine on the world stage.
“Representing your country at a World Cup is one of the greatest honours in our game and we are immensely proud of Chloe, Sasha and Kahli for this achievement,” he said.
“We are all greatly looking forward to seeing them represent the nation and our club on the world stage, and to the significant benefits this experience will bring to their game.
