Star teenage defender Karly Roestbakken has been promoted into Ante Milicic’s Matildas squad for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, just days out from the first match against Italy.
Roestbakken will replace Laura Alleway who has been forced to withdraw due to injury, and joined the squad standby two days ago and has now been promoted to the Matildas’ full roster ahead of the tournament.
The call-up is a deserved accolade for the 18-year old, who has been training in the Future Matildas program in Sydney and earlier this year captained the Westfield Young Matildas in Myanmar as they booked a spot in the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship.
Following that tournament, she received hearty praise from Gary Van Egmond who said she was on the brink of selection in Milicic’s squad.
Canberra United head coach Heather Garriock welcomed the news, and said it was well deserved for the youngster.
“Karly was consistently one of our best players this past season so to see her get this call-up is really great news,” Garriock said.
“The injury to Laura [Alleway] is a big shame and I wish her all the best, but I look forward to seeing Karly take this incredible chance with both hands.”
Alleway had scans in Turkey and the Netherlands on her injured foot during the team’s preparatory period, and unfortunately has not recovered sufficiently to be ready for kick-off in France.
“This is an unfortunate situation for Laura (Alleway) and as a group we feel for her,” Matildas Head Coach Ante Milicic said.
“We have given her every opportunity to return to full fitness ahead of the tournament, but with our first match now just days away we needed to make a call which has provided Karly (Roestbakken) a fantastic opportunity.”
The Matildas will kick off their 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign against Italy on Sunday night at 9pm (AEST).
Upcoming Matches | Matildas
Australia vs. Italy (FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C)
Date: Sunday, 9 June 2019
Venue: Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes, France
Kick-off: 1.00pm (local) – 9.00pm AEST
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS TV and Optus Sport
Australia vs. Brazil (FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C)
Date: Thursday, 13 June 2019
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier, France
Kick-off: 6.00pm (local) – 2.00am AEST (Friday, 14 June 2019)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS TV and Optus Sport
Jamaica vs. Australia (FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C)
Date: Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble, France
Kick-off: 9.00pm (local) – 5.00am AEST (Wednesday, 19 June 2019)
Broadcast: Live in Australia on SBS TV and Optus Sport
