CommBank Young Matildas captain Alexia Apostolakis said that the team was "hungry for more" after a successful opening two games of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026™.
The team has defeated both Chinese Taipei and India 5-0, and faces a tough test in their final group stage game against Japan on Wednesday evening.
"Heading into this tournament, this team is super hungry for more," she expressed.
"It's our goal to make the World Cup and achieve big things. But in those games where things aren't really going your way, you just have to double down harder. You just have to find solutions and work hard.
"If you know the person next to you is working hard and the people behind you are working hard, then that makes the game so much easier."
She said that the tournament has come with its challenges, but nothing that the team cannot overcome.
"Playing in the heat, it's not the easiest," she explained.
"But we have two good wins under our belt. We're building, and every game we have new touching points, new things to improve on. We're coming into our biggest match. To have those wins is extra confidence for us. We're feeling pretty prepared for Japan."
Apostolakis has worn the captain's armband for both games so far. The 19-year-old said that it is special to lead the team out of the tunnel, especially given what this group of players means to her.
"This team does mean a lot to me. It is very special to me," she said.
"I've been here for a few years, and I've grown so much. All my best friends come from this team as well. So to give back to that, to lead my team out of the tunnel is very special to me.
"I definitely am very honoured to lead a great group of people and represent myself, the people back at home watching me, and, of course, this country as well."
That feeling of wearing the armband only exacerbates the pride that Apostolakis feels wearing the shirt.
"It's an honour to wear the jersey," she said.
"It's not something I take lightly. Every time I come into camp, you're making yourself and everyone behind you proud. It takes a lot to get to that stage where you're actually able to put the jersey on.
"So many people back the Matildas, and back the Socceroos. You're just an extension of that. So wearing that jersey is about making everyone proud. It's an amazing feeling."
She said the team's bond and their togetherness will help them through a tough test on Wednesday evening to finish the group stage.
"We've got to stick together," she said.
"That's the thing in this game. Things aren't always going to go our way all the time, and we know that. But, of course, when people are lifting you up and backing you and supporting you - even from the sideline cheering you on - it gives you an extra kick.
"You have more than just yourself to play for. So I think that's what's going to come alive in this game."
AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Thailand 2026
Japan v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Time: 4.00pm (Local)/ 7.00pm (AEST)
Venue: Nonthaburi Province Stadium, Nonthaburi
Watch: Channel 10
