Laidley footballer Justeen Kruger represented her country and the hearing-impaired community at the end of May.
The goalkeeper joined Deaf Football Australia’s women’s team and travelled to Denver, Colorado to compete against the USA team.
Two games were held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
“The first one was a smaller side game, just to be able to rotate people through in different positions,” Kruger said.
“We did lose that one 3-1.
“For the main game we last 11-0, and I suppose that sounds a lot worse to other people than it does to me.
“The USA world champions have not lost a game in 20 years, while Australia with its brand new team was playing together for only the second time without hearing aids.”
Kruger said it was not all bad news.
“What America did for us I suppose was kickstart our women’s program again by inviting us over there,” she said.
“We haven’t had a team play international before since 2005 due to funding pull-outs.
“It’s a rebuild, getting the word out there, which we definitely did.”
Kruger said she went into the games like they were any other.
“It was just any other day, another match where I do what I do,” she said.
“That changed 300 per cent when you put on the Australian jersey.
“I was calm and collected, but as soon as I put on a jersey with representation for Australia I was like ‘hold it together’, it was just amazing to represent my country.”
When Kruger heard her name called over the speakers it gave her chills.
“When I had made a save in the stadium, the announcers said my name but I only picked up on it twice because it’s very hard to hear,” she said.
“Knowing they were calling out for me was pretty amazing.”
Kruger thanked the community for all of their support in fundraising her trip.
“The support from the community was just overwhelming,” she said.
“I’m so overwhelmed I was able to do this, and now there will be future internationals from this game
“With the help of the community it’s kickstarted so many championships, we have an international game against Japan in December, they are coming over here.”
Kruger also thanked Lockyer Valley Regional Council for their funding through the Ambassador Support program.
