Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has promised his side will be adventurous and attacking against Sweden despite the likelihood it will lead to Australia’s defensive deficiencies being exposed by the world’s second-best women’s team.
The Matildas’ preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup continue on Saturday at AAMI Park against the Swedes, who only sit behind the United States in the world rankings.
It therefore promises to be another tough afternoon for the Matildas, who have largely failed to inspire under Gustavsson – apart from a fourth-placed finish at last year’s Tokyo Olympics – since his appointment in 2020.
The leaking of goals has been a major problem under Gustavsson, and that could very well continue against the Swedes.
However, it’s a gamble Gustavsson is again willing to take, believing his team has the ability to outscore the Scandinavian nation.
“No matter the score, we’ll look to have a really good performance,” Gustavsson said,
“When we go out there we need to be true to who we are. We don’t care if it’s the top-ranked team or the second-ranked team – we’re going to play the way we do. We’re going to have an attacking mindset.
“Everyone is (saying) we need to keep a clean sheet – no, we need to score more goals that the opponents. That’s who we are.
“We’re a pressing team, we’re an attacking team – that’s never going to change.
“Can we do that against a top-ranked team? Or are we going to cop three goals? Or if we do, we need to score four – that’s what we’re curious about.
“It’s the big test. Where are we against a top ranked team?”
Gustavsson admitted he was concerned and unhappy with his side’s sluggish training session on Thursday, but much more satisfied with Friday’s effort on the training paddock.
Such was the intensity of Friday’s session that two players, whose identity Gustavsson would not reveal, are in doubt for the match.
However, a certain absentee is defender Alanna Kennedy (shoulder).
The passion shown at training is perhaps an indication of the competition for places in Australia’ best 11.
“I told (the players) that we’ve said we’re going to narrow down and have a little bit more continuity – that doesn’t mean spots are guaranteed,” Gustavsson said.
“I approached the team and said, ‘You know what? It’s up to you now to show me whether you want to be part of the World Cup roster but also if you want to be a starter or a game changer (substitute)’.
“Now there’s competition and I love that.”
