Matildas duo named World Cup All Stars

Westfield Matildas stars Lisa De Vanna and Elise Kellond-Knight have been rewarded for their performances at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, named in the tournaments All-Star squad.

The pair played leading roles in the side’s history-making march to the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by finalists Japan 1-0.

Kellond-Knight was arguably the Matildas most consistent player in Canada, winning two player of the match awards on the way to the last eight, including the stunning 1-0 upset of Brazil in the second round.

Co-captain De Vanna was the side’s attacking spearhead, scoring two goals for the tournament in games against the USA and Sweden.

The 23-player squad – selected by FIFA’s technical Study Group experts – includes five players from the World Cup winning USA squad, whom the Matildas meet next month.

Elise Kellond-Knight controls the ball in the Matildas win over Brazil.

FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star squad:

Goalkeepers: Nadine Angerer, Karen Bardsley, Hope Solo.

Defenders: Saori Ariyoshi, Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan, Steph Houghton, Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg, Wendie Renard.

Midfielders and forwards: Ramona Bachmann, Lisa De Vanna, Amandine Henry, Elise Kellond-Knight, Eugenie Le Sommer, Carli Lloyd, Anja Mittag, Aya Miyama, Megan Rapinoe, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Celia Sasic, Elodie Thomis, Rumi Utsugi.