**Mackenzie Arnold: Matildas' Goalkeeper Aims for New Heights** Mackenzie Arnold, the Matildas' goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in one of the most thrilling moments in Australian sports history. Following her standout performance in the quarter-finals of last year’s World Cup, where she was instrumental in Australia’s shootout victory against France, Arnold is eager to achieve even more with both the national team and her new club. Describing herself as a late bloomer, Arnold recently released her biography, intriguingly subtitled “My story so far.” This title reflects her belief that her journey is just beginning. “In 2023, I feel like I just got started, and we’re only in 2024, so it didn’t feel right to end it there,” she explained. Recently, she made the transition to the Portland Thorns in the NWSL after leaving West Ham United in England. Arnold is excited about the new chapter in her career, emphasizing the fresh opportunities that come with joining a new team in a different country. With upcoming competitions like another World Cup and the Asian Cup on the horizon, she sees a wealth of possibilities ahead. “There’s a lot more to come,” she stated, looking forward to what the future holds.

Celtic’s Elena Sadiku: ‘That infection made me question everything. I was scared of losing my life’ Elena Sadiku, a remarkable figure in football, reflects on her journey from a life-threatening infection to becoming the youngest coach in Champions League history. At just 30 years old, she is set to lead her Celtic team against Twente in the Women’s Champions League, marking a significant milestone in her career. Sadiku’s path has been anything but ordinary. At the age of 23, she faced a severe infection that nearly cost her a leg and made her confront the fragility of life. “That infection made me question everything,” she admits. “I was scared of losing my life.” This harrowing experience has shaped her perspective on both football and life itself. Despite the challenges, Sadiku’s confidence shines through as she reflects on her past as a player. “I was pretty good,” she acknowledges, a statement that is both humble and self-assured. Her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, leading her to this pivotal moment in her coaching career. On Tuesday, when she takes the field as Celtic’s head coach, she will break the record previously held by Julian Nagelsmann, becoming the youngest coach in the history of European football’s premier club competition, regardless of gender. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. As she prepares for the match, Sadiku embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving that even in the face of adversity, success is within reach.