'Til It's Done (Ellie Carpenter/ (Fem) You)

-Chapter 19: The Announcement-

(A/N: So proud of Ellie for scoring against Iran <3. She deserves it after the shit she went through.)

In a few hours, Tony Gustavsson and The Matildas take the stage to announce which 23 players will represent the nation of Australia in the Women's World Cup 2023.

That's right, you heard it here. After multiple training sessions in the early half of the year, the Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has been watching and deciding which 23 of the players are fit and well to play for our home country in the World Cup. There has been lots of discussion on who will and will not be available based on injuries and age. With a few new players joining the provisional squad this year.

Out of the 29 player provisional squad named earlier this year, 6 will be cut from the final team. The provisional squad had one final 10 day training session last week, allowing for final close calls and decisions Gustavsson has to make...but the list is in and will be announced in a few hours!

Many have been talking about the few who are essentially guaranteed to be included in the 23. Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso and Steph Catley to name a few. However, with new members included in the provisional squad including Alycia Lewis and Y/N Y/L/N who have shown major skill in the recent cup of nations, the rest of the team is up in the air. Ellie Carpenter who had also recently returned from an ACL rupture was also named and has played a few friendlies for the team, yet it is unknown if she has officially been deemed well enough to play in the World Cup.

Either way, the final squad is to be announced later today.
So stay tuned for the final team!
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Standing backstage as the crowd roars outside, I feel the nerves fill my head and mess with my stomach as I take deep breaths. They're here and they're waiting for us. I glance around at my second family, smiling to myself as I watch them chatter excitedly for being part of the final 23 squad. Hell, I'm surprised I'm here.

I feel a warm hand slip into mine, making me turn my head at my girlfriend who smiles softly at me. "Hey. How're you doing?" She asks, watching me as I shrug. "As good as I can be." I say. She nods, turning her head as Sam approaches us. "Hey, girlie. Nervous?" She asks. "What do you think? I'm the new player who's been selected to play for her country. Officially." I say, my eyes widening as realisation settles in. Sam and Ellie just laugh, exchanging looks. "Trust me. We know the feeling" Ellie says.

"5 minute team!" Tony says, walking over as we all huddle. "So we know the drift. We all sit in order on stage based on your jersey number so it's easier to go up." He says. We all nod as he looks each of us in the eyes. "This is the team, guys. This is the family. We've got this." Sam says, grinning. "As Co-captain, I agree." Steph butts in, making us chuckle. "Aussie on three."

"One. Two. Three."
"Aussie!"
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"So once and for all, may I welcome, The Matildas!"

We all walk on stage, finding the seats we were given during rehearsals and sitting on them. I'm sitting next to Ellie as Tony takes the mic. "It has been an honour to coach this team so far, and I know that we will take the World Cup by the storm." He says, turning to smile at us. "So, I'm sure you all want to officially know who is in the team."

A few cheers sound as he steps off to the side. "So without further ado, the 2023 World Cup Team." On the side of the stage, a line of 23 girls, who all have the name Matilda, wait with our jerseys in their hands. The first girl steps on stage, walking to the middle as Tony speaks. "Number 1. Goalkeeper, Lydia Williams!"

Lyds walks up and takes a picture with the girl before going back with her jersey, now officially on the team. The next girl comes up with the next jersey as Tony announces the next name. I feel nervous as I watch each girl go up one by one, collecting their official World Cup number and jersey as they reveal their place in the team to the world.