Optus adds more big names to FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage team
Optus Sports has announced a slew of big names joining its FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage team, including legendary goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and former midfielder-turned-coach Heather Garriock.
The confirmed line-up, rounded out by other star figures Amy Chapman, Rebecca Smith, Amy Harrison and Claudio Fabiano, comes just 64 days out from the tournament.
Optus last week unveiled its all-female host line-up, with former Matilda Amy Duggan joined by experienced football match hosts Niav Owens and Kelly Somers.
Schwarzer, the most-capped Socceroo, will be embedded in the Matildas camp in Brisbane, offering viewers a unique insight into preparations.
“It’s monumental,” he said of the tournament being hosted Down Under. “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.”
Garriock, Australia’s 130-capped midfielder, will be based in the Sydney studio with former Matilda Amy Chapman to dissect match tactics and critical plays.
“Optus Sport has been the pioneer of quality coverage throughout any major tournament but we certainly set the scene in 2019,” Garriock said.
“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.”
Hosts Somers, Duggan and Owens were announced last week.
And Fabiano, Smith and Harrison will host a morning show during the tournament, offering fans a backstage pass to “limited access areas, behind the scenes and beyond the pitch”, Optus said.
The breadth of host and expert commentary talent is a “significant nod” to the streamer’s commitment to the Women’s World Cup having 64 games for the first time in history – the first to equal the Men’s World Cup in the number of matches and nations participating, it added.
Optus Sport secured the rights to broadcast all 64 matches back in 2021, having previously shown the tournament in 2019.
The opening match between New Zealand and Norway will take place on 20 July in Auckland.
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Amy Chapman
Amy Duggan
Amy Harrison
Claudio Fabiano4
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
Heather Garriock
Kelly Somers
Mark Schwarzer
Niav Owens
Optus Sport
Rebecca Smith
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