CommBank Junior Matilda, Charlotte Bradshaw, reflected on a special FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ debut, coming off the bench to score Australia’s first-ever goal at the tournament in a 1-1 draw against Chile.
With Australia trailing 1-0 at halftime, Bradshaw was introduced in the 56th minute and needed just seven minutes to find the back of the net, scoring not only Australia’s first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ goal, but also her maiden goal for the national team.
“I had Tehya [Aspland] coming on, on the left side next to me, so we were mentally locked in together and ready to go,” Bradshaw recounted when she was subbed on.
“Sakura [Leong] put a great cross in, and I kind of just slid, put my body on the line and it went in. All the girls were running with me to the corner flag. It was unreal. It was also my first goal for the national team, so that was something that was also sinking in throughout the game.”
While the CommBank Junior Matildas were forced to claw one back after Chile opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, Bradshaw praised her team’s determination.
“I definitely think that Chile had a lot of hunger, as did we,” she said.
“It was unfortunate going down at the start with a goal, but I think we did well to get around each other and come back.”
That connection, energy and camaraderie between teammates has become a defining feature of the young squad, as referenced by CommBank Junior Matildas’ captain, Willa Pearson.
