‘Minister of defence’ expecting fight for starting berth
By Ben Smith
Matildas shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold is adamant she is not simply assuming she will start in goal in Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup opener despite fellow custodian Teagan Micah’s injury.
The goalkeeper battle loomed as one of the most intriguing narratives of the pre-tournament training camps in Perth, with Micah having started four of coach Joe Montemurro’s eight games in charge up to this point to Arnold’s three.
But after Micah withdrew from the tournament due to concussion, Arnold is the expected No.1 choice for the Matildas ahead of Sunday’s tournament-opening clash with The Philippines at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
“Honestly, there’s not been any conversation about that. We’ve never really had a conversation about that leading in to any major tournament,” Arnold said.