The Matildas’ often-maligned defence will receive a stern and welcome test against world number Spain in Sunday night’s Cup of Nations clash at CommBank Stadium.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has never apologised for his attacking philosophy – often at the expense of defending – since the start of his tenure two years ago.
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Matildas take on Spain in Cup of Nations | 00:47
Spain been of the teams to have exposed Australia’s defensive deficiencies in that time, having thrashed an very understrength Matildas outfit 7-0 in Huelva in June last year.
Gustavsson said that heavy defeat “sits by itself”, and predicted a similarly difficult assignment on Sunday night in the Matildas’ ongoing preparations for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“The one thing that Spain gives us now is an opportunity to test our defence against the best teams in the world because that has to be done if you look at what side of the draw we’re on (at the World Cup),” Gustavsson said.
“We can face similar opposition that can break us down … so in that sense Spain gives us a fantastic opportunity to test our defending.
“If you defend individually against the top teams, they break you down. You need to do it collectively.
“The only way to get exposed is against the top opposition. We need to get exposed and feel that now so we can fix it before the World Cup.”
Australia were without the likes of Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Mary Fowler, Aivi Luik and Steph Catley in that 2022 clash, but the tables have turned this time around.
The world’s best player Alexia Putellas headlines a host of Spain’s finest players who are currently boycotting the national team. Eight players who started against Australia in June are among the 15 senior stars who are absent from this tour. Nevertheless, the new generation of Spaniards are still bullish on their World Cup hopes, and started their Cup of Nations campaign on a winning note, downing Jamaica 3-0.
The Matildas kept a clean sheet in thrashing Czechia 4-0 on Thursday night, but struggled in the first half before settling into the contest.
“There’s much more availability (for Sunday) than the last game, which means there’s competition for spots,” Gustavsson said.
“It’s going to be a long discussion among coaches, not just about the starting line-up, but how we play the game after 90 minutes.”
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