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George Clarke

Vine battles imposter syndrome to become key Matilda

Cortnee Vine has given the Matlldas another attacking outlet as the Women's World Cup approaches. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

If the Australian public don't know who Cortnee Vine is right now, there's a good chance they will by the end of the fast-approaching Women's World Cup.

The Sydney FC winger looms as Australia's breakout star of the tournament after enjoying a rapid rise under national team boss Tony Gustavsson.

The 25-year-old hadn't won a cap until 18 months ago but has featured in all but one international since.

Vine has been a key cog in the upturn in the national team's fortunes under Gustavsson after a shaky start to the Swede's tenure as Australia coach.

His reliance on Vine, whose greyhound-like speed has troubled many a defence and taken pressure off skipper Sam Kerr, has coincided with the Matildas' recent strong run of results.

Vine, though, still talks of herself as an "imposter" at the very top level.

"You think, 'Do I deserve to be here?', and you ask yourself, 'Am I good enough?'," Vine said.

"One of my strategies is to strip it back and ask why I'm playing. I enjoy it and have fun and when I get to that level, I don't feel the pressure anymore."

Because she is one of the few members of the national squad still playing domestically, Vine, who is studying computing, says she feels like "the underdog" in the Matildas side.

The winger describes herself as "shy, awkward and quiet" around her more experienced international teammates.

It's the same when it comes to commercial engagements, with Vine's face currently being beamed onto Australian TV screens as she devours a foot-long sandwich from a well-known US chain.

"I see it pop up too much, I feel so uncomfortable in those environments," Vine said.

"It's very imposter syndrome. Doing an advert is just so odd to me and I don't think that's going to go away."

Whether she is comfortable with it or not, Vine's rise to the international stage has led to more recognition as she goes about her day-to-day life.

The winger is aware things are likely to ramp up further in the coming weeks.

Progress has not always been straightforward under Gustavsson but it feels as though Australia have turned a corner in recent months.

Wins over England, Sweden and Spain in the last year have given Vine reason to believe the Matildas can make a sizeable dent at this year's tournament, which kicks off on July 20.

"We've hit good form over the last six months and everyone is starting to believe in the system Tony has brought into the team," Vine said.

"We've all started to knuckle down on what our identity is - that's a high press, high-intensity game.

"Sam (Kerr) is a big part of that, she makes you want to work and win the ball.

"Whenever we play at home the crowds encourage that pressing, it's like having Sam 20,000 times over."

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