Australian World Cup penalty hero Cortnee Vine takes mental health break

The 26-year-old vaulted to stardom when she converted the winning penalty in a marathon shootout against France that sent the Matildas into the World Cup semi-finals on home soil last year. She earned a contract with North Carolina Courage in the United States and was part of Australia's team during their disappointing Paris Olympics campaign.

But the winger had been notably absent from recent Matildas squads. "I'm sure many people can appreciate that my life has dramatically changed over the past two years," Vine said in a statement provided by her management.

"Due to these very new and sometimes overwhelming experiences, I've discovered that identifying, managing and prioritising my mental health has become something I have needed to work very hard on. Like many who face mental health challenges, I have my good days and my difficult ones, but every day is a lesson in learning to find the right balance.

"For now I need to focus on taking care of myself, which is why I am taking some time off." In a message of encouragement, the Matildas said on social media: "Always with you Viney," while her old club Sydney FC added: "We'll always be here and in support of you Cortnee."