QUAKERS Hill striker Kyah Simon was the 2 goal hero for the Australia women’s soccer team this morning as the Matildas defeated Norway 2-1 in its final Group D fixture at the World Cup in Germany.
The goals in the 57th & 87th minute, in front of 18,474 fans in Leverkusen, powered the Aussies into the quarter finals. Australia finished 2nd in the section & its next opponent will be Group C winner Sweden on Sunday night.
Before the match Simon, a former Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star, answered questions from us. The report is below.
QUAKERS Hill star Kyah Simon is soaking up the heady atmosphere at the women’s soccer World Cup in Germany.
She took time out of her heavy schedule to answer questions from the Rouse Hill Times (RHT) about her experience, the expectations of her team & what she misses most from her home town.
Kyah, 20, said, ``We’ve got the ability to do well in this tournament, it’s just a matter of going out there game by game by playing the football that we can play & finishing our chances to secure results.’’
RHT: You said before leaving Sydney, the Matildas can win the World Cup. Are you still confident having seen & played against some of the opposition?
KYAH: ``I do not think anything is out of our reach, we are just taking it game by game & focusing on the next task at hand.’‘
RHT: What are the things impressing you most at the World Cup, like the best teams in your opinion, & the atmosphere at the venues?
KYAH: ``The atmosphere in the stadiums is amazing & something that I have never experienced before in my career. I could not have asked for my first World Cup to have been in a better country. They are really passionate about football here & are just as passionate about the women’s game which has really impressed me. Germany & the USA seem to be dominating their groups.’‘
RHT: Is women’s soccer attracting a big following in Germany?
KYAH: ``That is an understatement the whole country is getting behind it. It is no secret why they are so successful when you see the support they get from everything, from fans to sponsorship. ``The amount of coverage & advertising we have seen for the German team has been overwhelming.’‘
RHT: Whats the best thing about being at the World Cup in Germany?
KYAH: ``Experiencing my dream of competing in a World Cup & the support that we have received over here has made the experience all the better & the German crowds have really shown a fondness to our team which has shone through at the matches & really drives us on.’‘
RHT: What do you miss from Quakers Hill & NSW the most?
KYAH: ``Well my family is all over here supporting me but I do not like the thought of my pregnant sister at home so I guess she is someone I really miss. Dad also supporting me from back home & following my every step through Skype, email & watching all the games & looking for me in the press back home.’’
