‘My World Cup was over’: Portsmouth defender lifts lid on heartache
The Sydney FC tells the story of his World Cup heartache with the Socceroos this summer.
Hayden Matthews has relieved the pain of having his World Cup dream dashed by injury.
The Socceroos man believes a late charge into Tony Popovic’s squad was on the cards this summer, before his hopes were dashed by a fitness setback.
Matthews was called up for a pre-tournament training camp in May, after the end of his first full Championship campaign.
The £1.25m signing has been hindered by impact ankle injuries in his time at Pompey, with a problem picked up while with Australia putting paid to hopes of being involved in North America this summer.
It was a devastating blow for the Sydney man, with the decision made to call time on his ambitions of forcing his way into Popovic’s 26-man squad.
Matthews said: ‘After everything that’s happened, it’s just good to be back out there playing again.
‘I had a bit of a knock in the build-up to the World Cup, which sat me out for a little bit of time. So It’s just good to be back playing football.
‘I was my enjoying my time in camp, so the injury came at an awkward time for me.
‘It was one where I would’ve been touch and go for the first two games, so at that point the decision was made that my World Cup was over unfortunately.
‘It’s never a nice thing to hear and obviously it was annoying and frustrating.
‘But I was able to go home for a little bit, see my family and clear my head.
‘It was definitely a possibility I would make the squad.
‘Once you’re in camp you never know what could happen really. I would’ve had a long time in camp, close to a month, before they announced the final squad.
‘I would’ve backed myself to show what I was capable of in that time, so it’s disappointing to not be given the opportunity in the end because of the injury.
‘I will be 26 for the next World Cup, so hopefully I will be coming into my prime then.’
Matthews immediate challenge now is a clear run of fitness for Pompey, after dealing with ankle issues which have decimated his Fratton involvement.
There’s hopes for the centre-back achieving that can lead to successful campaign at PO4.
Speaking to The News on Wednesday, Matthews said: ‘I’ve had my first full season. Now I’ve got that under my belt, I feel that this could be a very big season for me.
‘There’s been some misfortune, but there’s also things I think I can do to strengthen my ankle.
‘I’ve got to have a look at that and keep doing more work on my ankles to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.’