SYDNEY (AP) Veteran Australia goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri on Thursday announced her retirement from international football after 86 matches, including four Women's World Cup tournaments.
The 35-year-old Barbieri, who made her debut against Canada in September 2002, was initially an outfield player before becoming a goalkeeper at the age of 20. She holds the record for most number of clean sheets by a Matlildas' goalkeeper with 34.
Australia head coach Alen Stajcic says Barbieri, a former captain, ''has been a prominent person on and off the field and has made a massive contribution to the game.''
Barbieri started in goal for Australia in its opening World Cup match this year against the United States in her final international, a 3-1 loss at Winnipeg, Canada. Australia lost in the quarterfinals to Japan.
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