‘One of Australia’s most talented footballers’ could make history against China
Emma Burke 
Emily van Egmond in action for the Matildas against Argentina. Photo Credit: Marcus Robertson/Round Ball Australia
Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond has the chance to make history and become Australia’s most capped player when the Matildas take on China in the first semi-final of the Women’s Asian Cup.
Should van Egmond take the pitch she will overtake Clare Polkinghorne by reaching 170 international appearances.
“For me the most important thing tomorrow night is to go out and get the job done,” van Egmond said when asked about the milestone moment.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard this tournament to get ourselves into the semi-finals so tomorrow night will be all about the team performance.”
When pressed about the potential achievement, van Egmond said that it was something she would be quite proud of.
Van Egmond’s career with the Matildas began in 2010 when she made her debut against North Korea while the team was being coached by Tom Sermanni.
“A lot of the girls who are here today in the squad have been a part of my career since the start so it’s really special,” she said.
She listed the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Steph Catley, and Hayley Raso as just some of the names that she’s played alongside and grown up with over the course of her 16 year long career with the Matildas.
“A lot of us were fortunate enough to grow up with each other from a young age, whether it was through the Junior System and then making our way through the Seniors.”
“That’s also what makes our team so unique and a special group to be a part of,” van Egmond said.
While van Egmond was reluctant to talk herself up, head coach Joe Montemurro was more than eager to do so.
“I know [van Egmond] doesn’t like to talk about herself so I’m more than happy to talk about her,” Montemurro said.
The pair joked that van Egmond would later be paying him off for his praise and kind words.
“I said to her the other day, I think you’re one of Australia’s most talented footballers,” he said.
“Her football intelligence, her reading of the game her technique, I think she’s one of the best footballers that we’ve produced and that’s the reason why she’s here and [spent] so long in the National Team and still an important part of the National Team.”
Van Egmond has spent 16 years with the Matildas, and as such has faced China many times, though this time around is one of the more important times.
“Every single time we’ve faced China whether it’s been a friendly match or in a tournament it’s always been a really good game, they’re a tough opponent,” van Egmond said on their semi-final opponents.
“We’re playing a team that is very, very well structured, very, very well organised, so it’s really going to be us in understanding the moments with the ball and making the right decisions, that’s been the message going into this game,” Montemurro said.
“I’m looking forward to it because the last two games have been, interesting,” he said pointedly.
During the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, The Dubcast, Round Ball Australia’s Women’s Football podcast, will have daily episodes discussing the days games and looking ahead to the next days matches. Listen on Spotify, Apple, or watch on YouTube.