Sydney FC sharpshooter Kyah Simon is full of belief as the Westfield Matildas continue their phenomenal World Cup run, with the 23 year old saying she believes the girls can go all the way.
After scoring the winning goal in their round of 16 clash against powerhouse Brazil, Simon said the Matildas were deserving of the result as they prepare to face either Japan or the Netherlands in the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter final.
“It feels amazing,” she said.
“I feel like all the preparation and hard work that we’ve put in in these past six months and leading into the match last night really was reflected in our performance.
“It was such a solid team effort that we deserved nothing but the result.
“I think you have to actually believe you can go all the way to be able to do it. I have full belief in the girls and in this squad that we have the talent to be in the final,” she continued.
“Football is a funny game and you really have to play to your best especially at this do or die moment.
“I really do believe that we’ve got the depth in the team to go all the way but we’re just taking each game as it comes and our sights are on Saturday’s game and that’s the next one we’ll be focussing for.”
With victory over Brazil the Matildas became the first senior Australian side to win a match at the knock out stages of a World Cup, and with that result Simon believes they’ve firmly put Australian football on the map.
“It leaves me a little bit speechless that we’re now down in the history books and we’ve really created a new path for women’s football in the country but also Australian football as well,” she said.
“To be a part of the squad that has made history is definitely a huge privilege for me. It’s only the beginning, we’ve only been this solid group for six months so to think of the future and what lies ahead is exciting times.”
Simon likened her winning goal to a once in a lifetime moment as the former W-League Champion said she was overcome with joy as the ball hit the back of the net.
“I feel like whenever I follow up shots I feel like I’m never the player for the ball to fall at my feet so for such an important moment for the ball to fall at my feet it was like I struck lottery,” she said.
“It was one of those moment I never thought would happen but I gave myself the best chance in following up. I knew as soon as Lisa had a shot that it was wet conditions so I had to follow up everything.
“It was a huge feeling of excitement, I was just super overwhelmed that the ball hit the back of the net.”
The Westfield Matildas will face either Japan or the Netherlands in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 Quarter Final on Saturday 28 June (kick off 6:00am AEST).
Kyah Simon is up for nomination to appear on the FIFA 16 cover next to Lionel Messi but she needs your support! Click here to vote for Kyah to appear on the cover and share on social media using #CoverVoteAU.
