The Matildas are Rio-bound and veteran Lisa De Vanna says the squad will not be going to the Olympic Games just to make up the numbers.
Australia triumphed undefeated in the Olympic qualifying tournament, beating Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, South Korea and drawing with China to secure top spot in their group.
“We’re going to Rio for a medal, that’s always been our standard and that’s the reason why we were so successful at the Olympic qualifications,” De Vanna said.
“We had this self-belief we could beat any team if we played the style of football we can, because the quality of players we have is unbelievable.”
READ MORE: Matildas can beat anyone at Rio Olympics, Steph Catley says
The Matildas missed out on opportunities to qualify for the past two Olympics, and the qualifying process was dubbed as a mini world cup by coach Alen Stajcic.
De Vanna praised the gutsy efforts by the team, expressing relief after finally breaking the drought.
“I’ve been around for a very long time and to miss out on two circles of not qualifying for the Olympics, to finally do it, it’s a relief and I’m so over the moon we final got there,” she said.
“Definitely, one of the toughest tournaments you can go through to qualify for a major event like the Olympic Games.
“The fact we did it and played some beautiful football shows the potential in the team.
“For the past Matildas it’s a great honour because not all of them got the opportunity, for them to see the young ones come through and live their dreams, it’s a very emotional moment for a lot of them.”
The 31-year-old was also part of the Melbourne City side that lifted the W-League championship trophy last season, in which Matildas co-captain played a significant role.
De Vanna said there was now a benchmark with all the achievements, and urged the younger players to strive hard for excellence, with extra praise for team mate Steph Catley.
“Within ourselves, I think every player now should have a benchmark and the belief they can be the greatest player out there to be driven by success,” she said.
“Hopefully if we do that, every single one of us, it’ll be a powerful emotion when coming to play the big teams and to beat them.
“Kicking off the World Cup, that was another group of death where the team pushed through and made history there.
“To come to Melbourne City and do a bit of history there and with the Olympic Qualifications as well, to get that in one year, you only strive for more.
“That’s the type of person I am, I’m a passionate and determined person and with the team we’re going to get a medal at the Olympic Games.
“For me Steph Catley is going to be the future Matilda’s captain, I just see so many great qualities in her,” De Vanna said.
“She’s the package deal.”
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