The A-League finals are upon us, which means we have the perfect excuse to catch up with Paramount’s own football presenter, Tara Rushton!
We spoke to Tara about the upcoming games and what’s ahead in the world of football.
Which team will be crowned Champions on May 28?
Melbourne Victory!
What do you think our chances are of the Socceroo’s qualifying for the World Cup?
There’s a chance – but it’s going to be incredibly difficult. I’m feeling nervous.
The new format of qualification consists of two single-leg playoffs. The last time the Socceroos had to qualify this way in 2017, the playoffs were home and away.
But this format is going to be trickier than ever before and it’s win-or-bust!
It’s the UAE first, and I believe they can win this, but next is Peru who, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, defeated the Aussies 2-0.
What could turn the tide for the Socceroos will be their returning players who missed the last round of qualifiers. In particular, Tom Rogic, Riley McGree, Jackson Irvine and Craig Goodwin. And, I would love to see Aaron Mooy back in the fold but I’m not too sure that will happen.
What team are you most excited to see play in the Exhibition games?
All of them!
There is always a huge buzz whenever Internationals and Premier League teams head to Oz, with such a tribal connection to teams like Leeds which has a big Australian association, and Manchester United.
The fixture I have highlighted though – is Man U v Aston Villa at Optus Stadium. It’s a sell-out and Optus Stadium is an incredible place to watch sport!
Australia and New Zealand are hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2023. What do the Matildas have to do to win it?
Stay injury free, bring their form from their club-sides into the international fold, practice pens, defensively be switched on always, and one of the biggest ones will be to thrive under the pressure of being the ‘home-team’.
There is never going to be a better opportunity for this current squad of Matildas to truly push further than the Quarter-finals at a World Cup, so this next 14 month period is going to be crucial to get as much time together as possible and be tested against top opposition.
They have the quality in the squad to give it a real shake in 2023.
There’s a lot of up-and-coming talent in our football teams. Who are the ones to watch?
Garang Kuol – the teenage sensation from the Central Coast Mariners who only scores bangers, and Nestory Irankunda from Adelaide United. Keep your eye on Mary Fowler playing for Montpellier too!
You’re on the committee for the Sydney Children’s Hospital – Gold Dinner which is fundraising for ‘critical-care’ at the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Westmead and Randwick. Why is this cause so important to you?
As a Mum of two young children any opportunity to raise awareness and funds for children in need is always front of mind. But when it comes to ‘critical care’ and the urgency of what is needed, I felt compelled to assist in any way I could.
