Western United star Chloe Logarzo’s World Cup dream is all but over after missing out on being named in the Matildas squad.
A 23-player squad was announced on Monday for the cup which is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Logarzo had been hoping to make the side after an injury riddled couple of years, which included an ACL injury and then a foot injury this season while playing for United. Logaro’s last game was back in January.
The injuries and lack of play proved too much with Logarzo missing out on being named having been named in the initial 29 player squad.
Logarzo has played 49 games for Australia having made her debut in 2013, scoring eight goals.
Coach Tony Gustavsson said that the players from the initial squad that missed out were naturally disappointed not to be selected.
He said he wished there were more spots to select other players in the squad.
“[I want to give] acknowledgement to the ones not selected,” he said. “They are still with us and still preparing, in the background in case something happens.
“They are always a part of the Matildas family.”
Gustavsson said that those not selected had to stay ready with the possibility of changes being made to the squad up to 24 hours before the first game.
He said the team is looking forward to sharing the world cup experience with the nation.
“Today is the end of a two-and-a-half-year process and the wonderful start of a thrilling new journey for the team,” Gustavsson said.
“Selecting this World Cup squad has been the toughest challenge so far, but the whole coaching and support staff are all completely overjoyed for the 23 players who will represent the nation during this tournament.”
“These 23 players not only exemplify what it means to be a part of the tradition of the CommBank Matildas, but also what it means to represent the 25 million Australians we know are fully behind us.
“They have the heart, desire and the passion for the crest, and I can’t wait to see the next part of their story.”
Gustavsson said the group of players would represent every player that has pulled on the Matildas jersey.
“I’ve said from day one it takes 23 players, it takes much more than that,” he said. “The 224 Matildas who have represented this journey and wore this jersey, they are all part of that.
“When we step out on the field in that opening game against Ireland, the 23 players on the game roster, is represented by 224 players, every single tackle every goal celebration, very potential adversary that we face out there, team of 224 players.”
