One step forward, two steps back. The Matildas produced one of their best halves of football under Tony Gustavsson on Tuesday night – then undid all their hard work to slump to a 2-1 loss to Canada that will keep the heat on their under-fire coach.
Gustavsson needed a result at the new Allianz Stadium to keep his critics at bay and, for a while, it looked like his players – led by the majestic Mary Fowler – would deliver in front of a raucous crowd of 26,997.
They had the Olympic champions rattled in the first half, but Canada completely turned the tables after the break, with Adriana Leon scoring a match-defining double within 16 minutes as Australia’s defensive structures collapsed and their attacking threats were snuffed out. Sam Kerr was well-held throughout by Jade Rose, a teenager with a bright future ahead of her.
This was the Matildas’ 13th defeat from Gustavsson’s 26 matches at the helm, a concerning stat that should give Football Australia pause for thought. The early highs were impressive here, but the low points were achingly familiar, and the questions about the Swede’s suitability to lead the Matildas into next year’s home World Cup will not go away – not until there is clear, indisputable evidence on the pitch to account for the faith the federation is putting in him.
That tournament will begin at the site of Tuesday’s defeat, with the honour of the first goal scored at Sydney’s newest stadium falling to Fowler, who was involved in all the team’s best moments.
They did not concede a single shot throughout the first 45 minutes and spent most of it on the front foot, high on energy, pinning Canada back in their defensive half with a strong press that yielded the opener in just the third minute through a slick move both started and finished by the rising Manchester City star.
Canada’s Adriana Leon celebrates after scoring what proved to be the winner against the Matildas.Credit:Getty
Canada’s custodian Kailen Sheridan attempted a clearing goal kick which only went as far as Fowler, stationed just in front of the halfway line. She played it to Sam Kerr, the ball then spilled out to Cortnee Vine as she was challenged, then Vine played Kerr into the box, who in turn delivered a cutback near the penalty spot. That was where Fowler had drifted, unmarked, and she had all the time in the world to finish past a deflated Sheridan.
There were half-chances and openings sprinkled through the remainder of the opening stanza, which ended in a flurry of attacking activity for the Matildas. Just seconds after Caitlin Foord had a strong penalty shout turned down, Vine was set up by another brilliant Fowler pass, only to scuff a golden one-on-one opportunity to double Australia’s advantage. Foord had another great chance a few minutes later, but after doing all the hard work by cutting in from the left flank, she pulled her shot wide of the target.
It was a different story on the other side of the interval. The Matildas were slow out of the blocks, the visitors came out with clear intent, and it was all square in the 48th minute when Christine Sinclair’s near-post cross was tapped home by Leon, capitalising on some flat-footed defending.
Leon struck again just after the hour mark, latching onto a spectacular defence-splitting ball from the lively Rose, who collected possession deep in her own half, galloped into the centre circle and took out Australia’s final four defenders with a sweeping pass. All Leon had to do was latch onto the ball and thump it into the back of the net.
The Matildas rallied late in search of a second goal but inevitably resorted to hit-and-hope football, which excited the crowd but didn’t threaten the visitors, who rounded out their two-match friendly series in Australia with two comfortable wins.
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