Chloe Logarzo says the Matildas are a team that loves to fight and believes they’ll need show all their tenacity and spirit in Sunday morning’s (AEST) Round of 16 clash against Norway.
Ante Milicic’s side face the world’s 12th-ranked nation in Nice for a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The in-form attacker is one of eight players in the Matildas squad that have played some club football in the Scandinavian country.
It was an eye-opening experience for the 24-year-old, who played with Avaldsnes two years ago alongside fellow Aussies Emily Gielnik, Ellie Carpenter and Gema Simon.
“I was fortunate enough to play in Norway in 2017 and I know that they are a tough bunch,” said Logarzo of facing Norway.
“It is a Viking culture, so it is going to be a hard game…they are big and strong. Aussies like a fight…a few of us are quite small but we like to get amongst it.
“[Playing in Norway] was very different for me. It was the first time I spent nine months overseas, the weather was completely different.
“It was definitely a test for me going and living over there I learned a lot about myself.”
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It was experiences like that which have shaped the 24-year-old into the player she is today.
Logarzo has started all three matches in France, with her goal and assist sparking the 3-2 win against Brazil that kick-started the Matildas’ campaign.
“It’s incredible for me,” the Sydney FC and Washington Spirit star said.
“To be able to score at a World Cup is one thing but just to be able to play for my country on world football’s biggest stage is amazing.”
She’s likely to play another key role against Norway, with her drive from midfield and late runs into the box a feature of her game.
The Matildas began gearing up for Sunday morning’s (AEST) clash with an evening training session at the Parc des Sports Charles Ehrmann on Thursday.
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With a spot in the last eight on the line, Logarzo knows the Matildas will need to bring their best football for longer periods to get past a Norwegian side that boasts some exceptional talent.
But with skipper Sam Kerr in ominous form, Logarzo says confidence is high in the Australian squad.
“For us, it’s amazing to be able to play behind her and know if we get the ball in the box she’s a lethal weapon,” she said of Kerr.
“I’m really looking forward to what she has in store. I think she’s just getting started.
“It’s amazing how much she has stepped up for the team and the nation.”
World Cup France 2019™ – Round of 16 - Next Australia match
Norway v Australia
Date: Sunday, 23 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de Nice, Nice
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Saturday 22 June)
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