Adorable moment Matildas star Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper takes over her press conference – as her mum drops huge hints about her future in the game
- The two-year-old became the unofficial Matilda during the World Cup
- She delighted fans after the Aussies’ 10-0 win on Wednesday
- Mother Katrina’s post-match comments will leave her fans tense
Katrina Gorry’s daughter Harper has delighted Matildas fans by grabbing the microphone at her mother’s press conference after the Aussies beat Uzbekistan 10-0 to win a place at the Paris Olympics.
The two-year-old wowed reporters after Wednesday night’s game when she grabbed the microphone and said, “Bye!” before Gorry told her they had to leave because it was ‘Lanni’s turn’ to speak, referring to her teammate Alanna Kennedy.
Harper was in no rush to get off stage, however, which led to her mother picking her up before she gave an adorable “Bye!” to Kennedy, who then turned to reporters and said, “Sorry, I’m not as cute as them.”
Harper celebrates with mother Katrina on the field after the Matildas’ 10-0 win. The two-year-old became an unofficial member of the team during last year’s World Cup
The unofficial 24th member of the Matildas’ World Cup squad was also beaming from ear to ear as she was thrown into the air by Kyra-Cooney Cross after the grenades at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
After the win, Gorry dropped a huge hint that the Olympics could be the last major competition in which she plays for her country.
Australia came close to winning a number of major trophies during the 31-year-old’s 13-year, 105-match spell in green and gold, most notably finishing fourth at last year’s World Cup, fourth at the Olympics in Tokyo and lost in the quarter. 2022 Asian Cup final.
“All these things drive you and awaken something in you as an athlete,” Gorry said Wednesday night.
‘We always want to win. We can compete with the best. I think we showed that at the World Cup and in recent years.
Gorry’s teammate Alanna Kennedy (right) told reporters: “Sorry, I’m not as cute as her,” after Harper commandeered the microphone during the post-match press conference
‘Of course it’s sad, [the Olympics] for some of us the last big tournament, but I think it could be a very special tournament.
“To go out with a bang would be great for all of us.”
Gorry had a strong World Cup and was a standout performer in the first half of the win in Uzbekistan before being sent off at half-time to manage her workload.
She should be a shoo-in to take the Australian squad to Paris barring injury, but the nature of Wednesday night’s win gives coach Tony Gustavsson a pleasant selection headache.
Michelle Heyman was not expected to push for a place at the Olympics after six years out of international football, but her incredible four-goal haul in Melbourne has turned that on its head.
Harper also shared an adorable moment with Kyra Cooney-Cross after the win
Gorry played a strong first half against Uzbekistan and should be a lock to make the Australian team for the Olympics after hinting this could be her last major tournament for her country
With superstar Sam Kerr struggling to overcome her serious knee injury in time to be fit for the Games, the Aussies need all the firepower they can get, and the 35-year-old has raised her hand in the best way possible.
“When I came there, I knew what Uzbekistan could bring and I knew exactly what I had to do to be successful,” Heyman said after the match.
“I believe in my ability and know how hard I pushed myself to get here, and I won’t stop.
‘I’m going to push even harder for Canberra United and just keep working on my fitness and speed and do everything I can to be one of those sixteen outfield players going to Paris.’