Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has stated that her country is capable of minting a medal in this year’s Olympic football tournament. 

The team’s lengthy injury list includes captain and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr’s injury, among other key players for Australia.

The Matildas, who are in Group B, will face the United States of America, Zambia, and Germany will start its campaign with a match against Germany before taking on the Copper Queens and the USA. 

Speaking to FIFA.com, Arnold believes that the injury setback to an influential figure will not hinder the Matildas from achieving their target at the Games. 

“It’s massive, honestly. She’s the heart and soul of our team—not only on the field but off it as well,” she admitted. “She’s our captain… as well as a big, big player on our team.” 

“Our hope is to get a medal”-Mackenzie.

Arnold has described the unavailability of the skipper as devastating adding that it was another opportunity for the Matildas to play for one another and achieve a podium finish. 

“We were all devastated when we heard about it. But I think we did prove what we can do without her [during Kerr’s absence at the Women’s World Cup], and, as much as we’re going to miss her, I think it gives us a chance to really come together, do this for ourselves, and do it for her as well,” Arnold stated. 

The Matildas have reached the last four at their two most recent global football events: the 2020 Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Arnold is one of the key figures for Australia at this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament and wants more than just a fourth-place finish. 

“If you look back at our last Olympics and the World Cup, we’ve finished fourth twice in a row. It’s time for us to take that next step now.” 

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“Coming off the World Cup, it’s shown what we’re capable of and instilled a lot of confidence in the team. So, yeah, our hope at the Olympics has to be to get a medal.”