The Matildas have wrapped up their European tour with 1-1 draw against 29th ranked Scotland in Falkirk last Friday night in a match that started slowly, but came to life after a goal from Laura Alleway and a saved penalty from Australian goalkeeper Brianna Davey.
The Matildas lead was cancelled out by Scotland’s Jane Ross’ second-half strike in a match where Australia were left rueing their missed chances, a trait that has been at the forefront of their play in this 6 week European tour.
The speed of the Australian attack makes life difficult for opposition defenders and Michelle Heyman, Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Foord find space to get in behind, but at times fail to capitalise and could be punished for this come June.
The Matildas have kept their FIFA 10th ranking despite finishing a credible fifth place in the recent Cyprus Cup after impressive wins against The Netherlands, Finland and Czech Republic and losing to a sixth ranked England 3-0.
Although Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has been experimenting with different players and providing valuable match practice and experience to newcomers, at present the Matildas seem to lack composure in the front third, something they will need to correct before June’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 in Canada.
“The effort today was superb, the execution on the field was brilliant and it was just that little bit in the penalty box that let us down but if we can improve that facet of the game we’re certainly capable of beating anyone,” said Stajcic.
The Matildas have shown that they can hold possession and do create good chances, but against tougher opposition seem to falter with execution. This aspect was highlighted against England when Australia failed to capitalise and England did, scoring 2 in 18 minutes.
The tour has provided an opportunity for the players to work on structure and the way Stajcic wants them to play and if the Matildas can get through the group stage against the United States, Sweden and Nigeria anything could happen in the 2015 World Cup.
Australia has never beaten the USA in 24 outings and tipping the scales on fifth ranked Sweden, who is coached by former U.S. Women’s National Team head coach and FIFA World Coach of the Year Pia Sundhage, will be no easy task.
However, if Katrina Gorry, Lisa De Vanna and Kyah Simon can fire on the day then the Australians are capable of wowing Australia’s sporting public come June.
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