TIME TO SILENCE SAMBA STARS
Matildas coach tells his team to step on the gas
MATILDAS coach Tony Gustavsson says his team has a golden opportunity to reaffirm its World Cup credentials by putting in back-to-back highoctane performances against Brazil.
Playing their first match on home soil in over 18 months, the Matildas impressed with their physical brand of football in the 3-1 victory over Brazil, which is seventh in the FIFA women’s world rankings. But Gustavsson is warning his side not to become complacent. “I want to see a team now that steps on the park and shows that we can deliver a performance back-to-back and play with the same intensity, with the same energy, with the same commitment and mindset,” Gustavsson said on Monday.
“This is an important game to keep rebuilding and I want to see that mindset tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Gustavsson said he noticed an improvement in attitude compared with the 3-2 loss to Ireland late last month.
“I’m glad the game was physical because I was a bit disappointed about our attitude and physical presence against Ireland. I felt they wanted it more than us,” he said.
One of the stars of the first match was Far North product Mary Fowler, who scored one of the Matilda’s three goals.
It was just her 17th outing for her country and she already has five international goals.
The 15,000-strong crowd at Western Sydney Stadium helped the Matildas reach new levels of intensity in their game, Gustavsson said.
“Some of the girls said it felt like a tournament game,” he said.
“That’s a teaser and a taste of what’s coming in the World Cup in 2023.”
Gustavsson said there was still room to improve, conceding the Matildas could have executed better in attack.
“Were there some good things in our performance?” he said. “Yes, but I also think there were some areas when we were vulnerable.”