The prospect of playing in the World Cup sends shivers down Karly Roestbakken's spine but she has a nervous wait before the Matildas squad is selected on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The 18-year-old fullback led the Young Matildas through an undefeated campaign in Myanmar to secure their place in this year's under-19 AFC Women's Championship.
On the back of a stand-out performance in Asia, the uncapped teenager is now in the mix to make her international debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup in France.
"Being mentioned for the World Cup definitely sent shivers down my spine," Koestbakken said.
"It would mean everything, it's something that I've been working towards. If I do get the opportunity I definitely won't take it lightly.
"I'm so close to reaching my dream. Now that I'm here I need to keep working hard."
MORE CANBERRA SPORT:
The Canberra United star has relocated from the capital to link up with the Future Matilda's program in Sydney.
The program enables teenage proteges to train alongside the Matildas to provide an environment for the next generation of national players to thrive.
Roestbakken now trains twice a day and has gained nearly eight kilos of muscle since joining the program.
"I rise up to the occasion because you always want to be pushing for a standard that's above grade," Koestbakken said.
"[The Matildas] definitely expect a lot but they're the best in the country. You want to play at their level and show them what you can do."
Young Matildas head coach Gary Van Egmond said Roestbakken has flourished since joining the program and is now on the brink of World Cup selection.
"Her game has improved both technically and tactically, her attitude and mentality has always been very good," Van Egmond said.
"With those attributes she comes into calculation for the World Cup on the back of what I thought [was] a strong W-League [season] for Canberra as well."
The Canberra United fullback already has three W-League seasons under her belt and earned the December nomination for the Young Player of the Year award.
Roestbakken admitted she wasn't expecting the nomination given the Green Machine had narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
"It was an amazing feeling but I was very shocked when I got the news," Roestbakken said.
"Getting nominated was another goal that I can tick off but I just wasn't expecting it."
If Roestbakken earns a spot in Ante Milicic's squad for the World cup, she'll join the Matildas in Turkey on May 19.
The Matildas will use the same top-level training base as the Socceroos used for their campaign in Russia last year.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
