Despite their history-making performance none of the Matildas squad was nominated for the Golden Ball, Golden Glove or Young Player Award categories, with selections dominated by finalists USA and Japan.
Candidates for the tournament’s best player include Saori Ariyooshi (Japan), Lucy Bronze (England), Amandine Henry (France), Julie Johnston (USA), Carli Lloyd (USA), Aya Miyama (Japan), Megan Rapinoe (USA) and Celia Sasic (Germany).
The Matildas experienced first-hand two of the three shot-stoppers nominated for the Golden Ball with Hope Solo (USA) and Ayumi Kaihori (Japan) getting the nod along with 2013 World Player of the Year and former Brisbane Roar goalkeeper Nadine Angerer (Germany).
Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan, Norway’s Ada Hegerberg and China’s Jiali Tang are the three contenders for Best Young Player, the award claimed by Caitlin Foord in Germany four years ago.
The winners will be announced after Monday morning’s final (AEST) between USA and Japan in Vancouver, with the match a repeat of the 2011 decider.
Germany take on England in the playoff for third at the scene of the Matildas World Cup exit, Edmonton, on Sunday morning (AEST).
The All Star Team for the tournament will also be announced following the final, with Elise Kellond-Knight a strong contender to earn back-to-back selections after she was named player of the match in two of the Matildas five games in Canada.
COURTESY of http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/
