Cortnee Vine is coming to terms with life in the Matildas “fishbowl” as she jostles for a spot on the wing at the home World Cup this year.
The speedy forward parlayed a strong 2021/22 A-League women season into a Matildas debut at the Asian Cup a year ago to the day and has played 10 of a possible 12 games since.
But the 24-year-old admits she has not yet lived up to the club season that won her the admiration of Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson, managing only one goal and one assist from her eight games with Sydney FC so far this season.
“I obviously expect a bit more from myself,” she told AAP at the launch of adidas’ FIFA World Cup ball.
As she fights to keep her spot at the World Cup, Vine is competing not only with Matildas teammates vying to play on the biggest stage, but also the weight of new expectations.
“It’s the pressure of performing that you now have to deal with,” she said.
“You get watched, that’s the difference. We’re in a fishbowl, and everyone’s watching.
“So it’s kind of like that now, now that I’ve had a good year and have had a couple of stints with the Matildas, I do feel like I’m being watched and a little bit crucified if I’m not performing, which is what happens when you get to a high level.
“That’s what I need to deal with and that’s another learning curve from the mental side of things.”
The likes of Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik and Hayley Raso will make Vine work hard for her spot on the wing – all three play their club football in the English Women’s Super League and have significantly more caps than she does.
“All I can do is perform at club land and hopefully Tony’s watching,” Vine said.
“That’s the only way you’re going to get seen and picked.
“They do see something in me, but I never feel like I’m going to be going unless I get that email.”
The Matildas go into camp for the first time this year on February 12, ahead of the FFA Cup Of Nations, where they will warm up for the World Cup with friendlies against Spain, Jamaica and the Czech Republic in the space of a week.
“We don’t really have that much time to prepare for those games,” Vine said.
“Anyone that’s on the radar is preparing at their clubs now.”
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