Optus Sport assembles female-led team for FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage
left to right: Michelle Escobar, Amy Duggan, Niav Owens
Optus Sport has brought together some of Australia’s best female journalists and football talent to lead the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage when the tournament gets underway this June.
Respected presenter and former Matilda, Amy Duggan, is the first host to be announced for Optus Sport’s match coverage, while Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson, and Niav Owens will also join the team.
Optus Sport is the only place to watch all 52 matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament live, and the broadcast team will provide extensive match coverage, expert opinion, in-depth analysis and behind the scenes access from France.
“We are extremely proud of the team we are assembling for the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Optus’ Head of TV and Content Corin Dimopoulos said.
“Optus Sport will not only deliver Australia’s most comprehensive coverage of a Women’s World Cup, but our team will also provide greater coverage from within the Matildas camp than ever before.”
Leading an expert panel of current and former players will be ex-Matildas player Heather Garriock, who after representing her country on 130 occasions, is now Canberra United W-League coach.
Alicia Ferguson, another former Matilda, will be providing insight as the national team’s campaign unfolds in France, while experienced reporter Niav Owens will bring viewers the latest news from pitchside as well as from inside the Matildas camp.
Alongside Alicia and Niav, Optus Sport reporter Michelle Escobar will bring viewers a behind-the-scenes look at all the colour and noise of the tournament, along with daily news updates.
“It is an incredible honour to be part of the Optus Sport team that will bring all the action from one of the biggest women’s standalone sporting events,” said Amy Duggan, who played 33 games for the Matildas between 1997 and 2005.
“I will be working alongside some amazing talent, and talent that have been there before and know what it’s like to be a part of a national team.
“I’m really looking forward to a month of non-stop football, every game live and following each team’s journey, especially our golden girls the Matildas.”
With extensive coverage planned around all 52 matches during the tournament, Optus Sport is planning further talent announcements including additional hosts, along with more detail around the on-air presentation, over the coming months.
“We will place the Women’s World Cup on the pedestal it deserves, and it’s no coincidence we are announcing our line-up today, being International Women’s Day,” Mr Dimopoulos added. “I know we will have succeeded if my young daughters wish to emulate the stars of the tournament.”