McCallum goal one to saviour

It was a goal that most of the male dead-ball specialists would have been proud to call their own, but in the wash-up of the last minute draw with Canada, Collette McCallum’s goal from a free kick has sort of been pushed into the background.

It was a goal that most of the male dead-ball specialists would have been proud to call their own, but in the wash-up of the last minute draw with Canada, Collette McCallum-s goal from a free kick has sort of been pushed into the background.

No doubt Cheryl Salisbury-s goal that earned Australia a draw right at the death against Canada was the most talked moment of the match, but in terms of the best goal that belonged to McCallum, who has starred for Australia at the FIFA World Cup finals in China.

Her moment arrived when Sarah Walsh was fouled 25 metres out, directly in front of the Canadian goal. McCallum-s left foot had already been very handy during the tournament, but her curling free kick over the wall and into the top corner, gave Canadian keeper Erin McLeod no chance.

“When we did get the free kick, I just felt really confident,” said McCallum of her wonderful strike. “I thought if I just get this one on target, you know anything can happen.

“When I felt it come off my foot, I knew it was in; the way I hit it, it felt really sweet. It was just brilliant; I don-t score a lot of goals, so it was good for me.”

McCallum is one of only four outfield players to play the full 90 minutes of each match, but says she is feeling good, despite the brutal conditions they are having to play in.

“I thought I might feel sore after Thursday-s game, but I actually feel really good and I-ve got today (Friday) and tomorrow to rest for the big game on Sunday.”

Asked how the team felt about making it through to the quarter finals, McCallum says the team is taking it all in their stride and that felt they deserved every success that has come their way so far.

“We just wanted to win the first game,” she said in a distinct Scottish accent. “I mean the women-s team had never won a game at a women-s world cup, so to come and win a game is amazing.

“For players like Cheryl Salisbury, who have been to four World Cup-s; we are just really excited that we are still here and I think we deserve to be still here. We-ve got a really good squad and hopefully we can keep going further.”