Optus Sport adds more FIFA Women’s World Cup team

Optus Sport has today announced the experts who will join the FIFA Women’s World Cup which commences on July 20.

Mark Schwarzer, Heather Garriock, Amy Chapman, Amy Harrison, Rebecca Smith and Claudio Fabiano will join previously-announced hosts Amy Duggan, Niav Owens, and Kelly Sommers.

Mark Schwarzer, as the most-capped Socceroo, will be a familiar face embedded in the Matildas camp in Brisbane providing insight into the preparation. While back in Sydney, Australia’s 130-capped midfielder, Heather Garriock will be joined by former Matilda, Amy Chapman in the studio to discuss match tactics.

Meanwhile, Claudio Fabiano, Amy Harrison and Rebecca Smith are set to host Optus Sport’s daily morning show during the tournament which will take fans into limited access areas; behind the scenes and beyond the pitch.

Delivering all-round high quality and diverse opinions, the new additions will bring their expert football analysis along with their deep passion for the sport to all 64 games on Optus Sport.

Heather Garriock, Optus Sport Football Expert & 130-capped Matilda Midfielder:
“Optus Sport has been the pioneer of quality coverage throughout any major tournament but we certainly set the scene in 2019. Our coverage was second to none, we got what we deserved in terms of women’s football coverage and that’s why I’m so excited for this Women’s World Cup here in Australia,” Garriock said.

“This Women’s World Cup is going to leave a long-lasting legacy for football in Australia. This is the biggest tournament next to the Sydney Olympic Games, and I’m super excited for everyone to come together as a community, unite and for football to be at the centre.”

“Not only are we hoping for big support and results for the Women’s World Cup, but looking beyond, I would love to see the legacy positively impact football whether it be in the facilities, the next generation, youth development or coaching. I’m really excited about that and hopefully we can convert some sporting fans into football fans.”

Mark Schwarzer, Optus Sport Football Expert & Former Socceroos Goalkeeper:
The former Socceroos goalkeeper knows exactly what happens at a World Cup and what is going through players’ minds when they take the field, but he is most excited by the fact it is happening on Australian soil.

“It’s monumental. It’s a game-changer for Australia to hold a World Cup full stop in football. For the women’s game, the development is going to go even more through the roof if that’s even possible because the game has just developed incredibly well over the last couple of years,” he said.

Amy Harrison, Optus Sport Football Expert & ex Matilda Midfielder:
“It’s going to be massive, I really think it’ll be up there with Sydney 2000. It’s an iconic tournament and something that really doesn’t come around often, so to have it in your own country is honestly once in a lifetime. We need to embrace it, especially the next generation,” she said.

“Anything is possible and it’s a bonus if it’s right in front of your eyes, because why can’t you achieve that? Luckily enough it’s in our own backyard this time and it’s going to be all over Optus Sport.”