Chloe Lincoln is gearing up to take on the world as the Young Matildas approach the beginning of the 2024 U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Colombia this weekend.
Western United’s new goalkeeping recruit has been a cornerstone in the Young Matildas squad throughout preparation and qualification for the tournament and is now eagerly awaiting getting down to business.
“I’ve been absolutely loving it to be honest,” she told Football Australia Media.
“It’s been a long time coming to be here, a couple of days away from the opening game.”
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The Young Matildas have been stationed in the Colombian capital of Bogota for the better part of two weeks already, acclimatising to the weather conditions and bonding as a team.
There is quite a fascinating similarity for the Young Matildas at this World Cup compared to the 2022 edition.
That, too, was held in the Americas with Costa Rica the host nation. Australia played Costa Rica in the tournament opener two years ago, and they will repeat that this time around with a first clash against Colombia on Sunday 1 September AEST.
Lincoln was part of that squad in 2022 and reflected on that tournament and the development that has taken place to lead her and the team into this year’s edition.
“Oh my gosh, it’s been a journey. It’s just been incredible to be a part of this group. Everyone, the girls, coaches, staff – it’s just been a whirlwind and we’ve bonded through all the highs and lows,” she said.
“We’ve been working to this one goal to be here, representing our country at the World Cup, so it’s just all coming together at once and really appreciating the moment as a group, that we’ve been able to achieve this.
“We are so, so lucky that we get to play the host nation two years in a row. Not only that, but it being the opening game of the World Cup.
“We’ve been told that it’s close to capacity or potentially sold out, so it’s very exciting. A lot of us wouldn’t have played in front of a crowd this big before, so it will definitely be a new challenge but we’re just looking forward to making the most of the moment and enjoying every minute of it.”
Personally, a lot has happened and plenty has changed for Lincoln since her first World Cup exposure at 17 years of age.
Now 19 years old, Lincoln has played 31 of her 37 Liberty A-League Women matches since the 2022 World Cup, represented Australia at Under-23 level multiple times and will now change clubs and move away from home for the first time as she transitions to Western United.
Lincoln’s professionalism and drive doesn’t allow her to rest on her laurels, though, as she preaches the ‘one day at a time’ mentality that has served her well so far.
“You don’t really feel, in the moment, too much growth because you just take it day by day,” she said.
“I try to stay in the moment as best I can, whether that’s being at Canberra United or now with Western United, or with the Under 23’s which I’m also grateful to be a part of.
“It’s just about taking it day by day, trying to keep on learning, keep on growing, and bit by bit I can get that little bit better and grow that little bit more.”
“Each experience is unique in itself, so I suppose it’s just about taking any learnings that I can from any exposure at this international level and keep building on that.”
On the move to Western United in particular, Lincoln spoke glowingly of the Club and her enthusiasm at starting in her new environment.
The young shot stopper has already got a taste of the quality that she will have around her in the Green and Black with United teammates Sasha Grove, Kahli Johnson and Avaani Prakash all in the Young Matildas squad.
“I was really excited about a new opportunity. I’m really, really grateful that I’m going to an incredible club like Western United,” Lincoln said.
Their track record since they have been in the competition has been amazing, they’re a formidable side and I’m really excited about this new opportunity – a new challenge, moving away from home which will be really exciting
Chloe Lincoln, via Football Australia
“It’s just about embracing a new environment, trying to put myself out of my comfort zone and giving this new opportunity a go.”
The Young Matildas take on Colombia at 9am AEST on Sunday morning before completing Group A with matches against Mexico and Cameroon next Wednesday and Saturday respectively. All Young Matildas matches will be broadcast live and free on 10Play.
Make sure you tune in and get behind Chloe Lincoln and our Green and Black girls on the world stage, and gear up for a mammoth Liberty A-League season with a Western United membership.
