Cortnee Vine, the hero of the World Cup, has announced a temporary hiatus from football to prioritize her mental health. The 26-year-old winger was absent from the Matildas' squad for their forthcoming friendlies against Brazil and Taiwan, marking her continued unavailability for selection.

Cortnee Vine Withdraws from Football Indefinitely to Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being

Cortnee Vine's Decision to Step Back

Cortnee Vine, who gained national attention for scoring the winning penalty in Australia’s quarter-final match against France, has opted to take some time off to focus on her mental well-being. Vine's recent absence from training camps has been attributed to personal reasons, while she is also acclimating to her new role at the NWSL club North Carolina Courage, following her move from Sydney FC.

Vine's Reflections on Mental Health

In a statement released by her management, Vine expressed the significant changes in her life over the past two years, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing her mental health. She stated that the overwhelming experiences of her recent journey have compelled her to take substantial steps toward self-care. Vine acknowledged the ups and downs common in dealing with mental health issues, affirming her need to prioritize her well-being during this challenging period.

Upcoming Friendlies and Squad Details

The Matildas are set to face off against Brazil and Taiwan in a series of friendlies in November and December. A total of 36 players have been selected, including seven uncapped players and eight with ten caps or fewer. Significant matches are scheduled in Queensland and Victoria, with the first match in Brisbane coinciding with veteran Clare Polkinghorne's retirement celebration. Emily van Egmond is also poised to earn her 150th cap during these events.

Injury Updates and New Faces in the Squad

Injuries have affected the team, with Tottenham winger Hayley Raso returning from a hamstring injury and goalkeeper Teagan Micah back from an ankle issue. Several players, including Chloe Logarzo and Alex Chidiac, have been recalled to the squad. Notably, newcomers like Isabel Gomez and Leah Davidson have received maiden call-ups, highlighting the fresh talent being integrated into the Matildas.

Interim Coach Tom Sermanni's Approach

Interim coach Tom Sermanni is adopting a flexible approach, aiming to mix experienced players with emerging talents throughout the friendlies. He indicated that not all players will participate in the entire camp, and the lineup may vary between the initial two games and the subsequent matches. Sermanni has reiterated his commitment to his interim position until Football Australia secures a long-term coach.

Matildas Squad Composition

The current Matildas squad features a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with several players marked for their first-time appearances. Notably absent is Melbourne Victory captain Kayla Morrison, pending the approval of her eligibility switch from the United States. The upcoming matches provide a platform for both established stars and fresh faces to showcase their skills and teamwork.