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It's do or die for the Matildas at this year's World Cup

- Maisy Rae

Pulling on her green and gold jersey for the first time, Matildas star Mary Fowler tells Woman's Day there will be only one thing on her mind when she walks onto the football pitch at the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.

"Once we step out on that field, it's do or die," says Mary, 20. "Everyone is super-focused on that first game.

We want to give it our all." With just months to go until the international tournament kicks off on July 20, there's a sense of excitement building as tickets are snapped up, jerseys bought and cameras poised, all ready for the 32 teams to head to Australia and New Zealand.

Mary, who is tipped to be named in the 24-player squad, knows it'll be an extra-special moment when she plays in front of her family, known collectively as "The Fowler Five" - parents Nido and Kevin, and siblings Caoimhin and Ciara - who have travelled around the world to help support her sporting ambitions, ever since she first kicked a ball on the beaches at her home in Cairns.

"It's pretty amazing when you sit down and reflect on it," she smiles. "Coming from where I came from, to be here today is pretty special and it's something you have to be really grateful for.