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Clare Polkinghorne

Clare Polkinghorne

Age

35

Place of Birth

QLD

Coach

Tony Gustavsson

Olympic History

Rio 2016

Tokyo 2020

Career Events

Football Womens 12-team Tournament

 

Clare's Story

Fast Facts

Sport: Football
Event: Women's
Olympic History: Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020
Coach: Tony Gustavsson
Year Born: 1989
State Born: Queensland

About Claire

Clare Polkinghorne first represented the Matildas in 2006 and has since played more than 100 games for her country.

The Queenslander represented Australia in the 2007 World Cup as an 18-year-old and played a prominent role in the Matildas’ 4-1 opening victory against Ghana. Their run lasted to the quarter-finals where they were beaten 3-2 by eventual runners-up, Brazil.

Four years later she was selected once again for the World Cup campaign in Germany. Clare often featured off the bench, helping the third youngest team at the tournament reach the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Sweden (3-1).

At the 2015 World Cup Clare was appointed co-captain alongside Lisa De Vanna. The Australians finished second in group D to qualify for the knockout stages and book a round of 16 clash with Brazil.

An 80th minute goal by teammate Kyah Simon against the Brazilians propelled the Matildas into the quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Japan.

Clare retained her position as co-captain for the Rio 2016 Olympics. Brazil got their revenge on Australia, knocking the Matlidas out in the quarter-finals via a penalty shootout.

Clare participated in her fourth successive World Cup campaign in 2019, this time in France, where the Matildas' run ended in the round of 16 at the hands of Norway in a penalty shootout (4-1).

Outside of World Cup competition Clare has taken European stints in Norway and Sweden, while also turning out for her hometown Brisbane Roar.

In her club career she has won two W-League Premierships and Championships, respectively.

At Tokyo 2020 Clare and the Matildas made all of Australia proud in putting together a historic achievement.

Their fourth place finish, which was nearly a podium finish after a 4-3 loss to the USA in the bronze medal game, is the highest ever finish by the Matildas at an Olympic Games.

In her career she has amassed more than 100 appearances for Australia.

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