The Matildas kick off their World Cup campaign against the in-form USA on June 8th and should be weary of reading too much into the 11-0 drubbing of 34th-ranked Vietnam last night in Kogarah.
“The first 25 minutes was very good and very clinical, something we haven’t been in the past, so that was really good to see that in a match,” coach Alen Stajcic said.
“To be a world class team we need to be consistent throughout 90 minutes and I thought we waned a little bit as the second half wore on.”
On the other hand, the USA has been in blistering form recently, having downed 24th-ranked Mexico 4-1 on 18 May and its attacking prowess lead by Sydney Leroux, Christen Press and veteran Abby Wambach has been in devastating form.
The USA has shown time and time again that it will press and counter for a full 90 minutes and this could be the eventual downfall for the Australians if they cannot find that clinical finish that has dogged them against tougher sides.
Last night, Stajcic opted for Samantha Kerr, Michelle Heyman and Lisa De Vanna to lead the line and from the outset the Australians dominated, scoring eight goals in the first half, displaying more positive movement in the front third against a less able side. But it remains to be seen if the same can be demonstrated against the USA in the upcoming World Cup.
What we have seen is improvement both on and off the field. However, the Matildas must step up another two or three notches to counter the US press and deny it what has been reported as ‘their time’.
Stajcic has been methodical in his selections, but did receive some negative publicity when he dropped leading all time goal scorer and W-League Golden Boot winner Kate Gill, and this decision may come back to haunt him as the best players have a way of rising under difficult circumstances. It is these circumstances where Gill could have come in handy.
“Form over the past four months was the most important for us,” Stajcic said.
Even though Gill was “up there”, her record of one goal in every two matches was not enough to earn her a guernsey, and Stajcic has kept his word, making his selections based on recent form, much to the bewilderment of Gill and her supporters.
Last night’s 4,000 strong crowd was treated to good football that was dominated by the Matildas and it is exciting to think that the next time we see them they will be fronting the red, white and blue, hoping that they can make the World Cup ‘their time’.
SBS will have live coverage of all the World Cup matches from the 9th to 30th of June.
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