Camila Martins Pereira sat on the sideline as the Matildas shattered her World Cup dream in the miracle of Montpellier. The Brazilian will now turn heartbreak into leading Canberra United's bid to become a W-League challenger this season.
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Pereira is the final piece in Heather Garriock's ploy for Canberra to break back into the finals for the first time in three seasons.
The 25-year-old forward was part of Brazil's playing squad for the World Cup earlier this year, but was an unused substitute.
Training alongside international stars like Marta Vieira da Silva has inspired Pereira to prove herself on the world stage and embrace her opportunity with Canberra United.
"[I'm looking forward] to win, to be champions," Pereira said.
"I think there's nothing else but to win. I'm feeling this way because at the World Cup, it was about winning all day. In Canberra, it's the same.
"I love a challenge. It's a good season because it's hard work and hard games but I'm ready."
Garriock landed her "superstar" signing after chasing Pereira for two years. The striker was set to join Canberra for the 2017-18 season before she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament on the eve of the tournament.
Pereira then opted to stay in Brazil last season to train with the national team and boost her chances of fulfilling her World Cup dream.
The 18-capped international is preparing to make her W-League debut when Canberra host Perth Glory at McKellar Park on Sunday.
Pereira, who is on loan from the Orlando Pride, says her transition into Garriock's squad has been easy because the club's style is similar to what is played in the United States.
"In Brazil, the style is more tic-tac, touches and dribbles but here it's so different because it's more fast and offensive," Pereira said.
"I'm feeling good because everyone is playing well. It's easy because it's similar to America. It's not a problem.
"This league is good because there's no time off [between NWSL seasons]. I'm going all in for four months then going back to Orlando. It's a good time, a challenge and I love it."
Pereira was one of two international signings unveiled this week, joining two-time NWSL champion Kaleigh Kurtz in Canberra.
Kurtz made nine starts in as many matches with the North Carolina Courage, filling in for United States international Abby Dahlkemper and New Zealand's Abby Erceg during the World Cup.
The 25-year-old defender hopes to regain confidence during the W-League season and boost her chances of extra game-time next year.
"In the NWSL you're that youngster again. It knocks you down a few pegs, especially when you're surrounded by internationals who are going to the World Cup," Kurtz said.
"For me, this is to regain confidence, continue to grow my game and as a person, while continuing to learn this beautiful game we all love."
Kurtz joins co-captain Karly Roestbakken in the backline, with the thrice-capped Australian returning from Young Matildas duties.
Roestbakken will captain the W-League side with Nikola Orgill, while Kurtz and Pereira will bring their experience to wider leadership roles.
"My role is to constantly have strong communication, lead from the back to the front and then be a strong, physical presence," Kurtz said.
"There's a good amount of older people in this team which helps with the leadership and solidifies that as a group easily as well.
"The younger players are able to slide right in, so it's been smooth so far I think. Every single practice we just keep getting better and better."
Canberra United have partnered with the Salvation Army for their opening match and will take donations for the bushfire disaster appeal on Sunday.
W-LEAGUE
Round one: Canberra United v Perth Glory at McKellar Park on Sunday, 4pm
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
