Chloe Logarzo's heartbreaking TV moment after Matildas make history at World Cup

Chloe Logarzo was bursting with pride after the Matildas advanced to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in history on Saturday night. But she would have been equally heartbroken that she wasn't a part of it.

Logarzo has made 49 appearances for the Matildas but was left out of Tony Gustavsson's 23-player squad for the World Cup when it was trimmed from 29. The 28-year-old ruptured her ACL in 2021 and has battled plantar fasciitis in recent months.

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She wasn't able to prove her fitness in the lead-up to the World Cup, leaving Gustavsson will little choice but to omit her from his final squad. Logarzo has instead been in commentary for Optus Sport throughout the tournament, and couldn't hold back the tears after watching her former teammates make history against France on Saturday night.

“I can’t even explain it,” she said during the post-game coverage. “We’re running out of words. There’s tears flowing. It’s massive. The first Australian team through to the semi-finals. We need a drink or 10, but what an ice-cold moment from Cortnee Vine (scoring the winning penalty).

“What people don’t understand is that we’ve been in this situation twice before and we’ve lost major tournaments because of penalties. And I’m so proud of the people who missed those penalties who stood up and took that because it takes a lot of courage to be able to do it. And I couldn’t be more prouder than us making history. And I can just feel how amazing it feels and just, I’m so proud."

She said to fans: “Please keep coming. You were the reason that we were able to keep going all the way into that penalty shootout.”

Logarzo turned her back to the camera as she wiped away tears with a tissue, overcome with mixed emotions after the incredible triumph. Last week she revealed she was still coming to terms with the decision to leave her out of the Matildas squad.

However she added: "I think I’ve changed my perspective on how I need to approach this and still be appreciative of me being part of it. I’m grateful.

“I’m torn between the two of being so excited and happy for the girls and so proud of them, but also the disappointment of … this is something I’ve dreamt of for three years.

“To not be down on that field and the instant gratification was kind of not there, but I still feel like I’m taking part in what I’m doing and my roles have shifted. Although I’m not on the team running as much as I can for the girls, I think that’s what my biggest part for them is, I’m running my mouth.”

When do the Matildas play their semi-final at World Cup?

The Matildas will need to quickly regain their focus and turn their attention to Wednesday night's blockbuster semi-final showdown with England. The game will kick off at 8pm at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Coach Tony Gustavsson said: "The No.1 thing is to embrace this historic night and feel that we are united. I said, 'let's bring the families in the circle tonight and bring the nation in', so we can actually embrace and enjoy this moment because that is part of the mental recovery."

But Gustavsson was adamant: "Sleep and recovery is the key. There was a massive amount of physical output from the game today from a lot of players, so recovery is key.

"What is good is that we have continuity with what we are doing and clear playing styles. We don't really need to train to be tactically prepared. It is more about making sure we are mentally and physically prepared for the semi-final.

"These players are on a mission. They are going to celebrate this but from tomorrow they are going to focus. They are extremely professional and they are on a mission."

with AAP

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