Matildas coach Alen Stajcic remained optimistic after the Matildas dropped a 2-0 advantage against Germany at the Rio Olympics on Sunday morning.
Australia led 2-0 through Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord come the 45th minute, but Germany’s Sara Dabritz pegged one back moments before the interval.
The Matildas enjoyed more chances after half time, but could not capitalise while Die Nationalelf captain Saskia Bartusiak was able to strike a pivotal blow in the 88th minute.
The goal sewed up a 2-2 draw, leaving Germany in a qualifying position in Group F. The Matildas sit third on one point and must defeat Zimbabwe in their final group game to be a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals, all the while overturning a -2 goal difference.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Talking Points: Rio Olympics – Germany 2 Australia 2
Aaron Mooy the Man of the Match in Huddersfield’s 2-1 win
Nevertheless, coach Stajcic remained hopeful of what now looks to be an unlikely qualification.
“It’s still very frustrating to concede two goals in the times that we did, just after scoring and 10 seconds before half time and at the end as well,” Stajcic said.
“I thought we created enough chances today to win the game. We could have easily won the game.
“I thought we created more chances than them (Germany) in the second half which is a good sign and shows how resilient and mentally tough our players are not to drop their heads at such a pivotal moment.
“Now we’re on one point and we have to focus on our next performance and get a win against Zimbabwe and hopefully sneak through to the quarter-finals.
“One point definitely helps. Three would have helped a bit more, but we need to beat Zimbabwe now, we can’t take anything easy.
“Four points and a good goal difference is possibly a good chance of going through but all we can focus on is our next game and recovering from this game, and doing our best in that game and hopefully everything falls our way.”
Australia’s final group game against Zimbabwe kicks off at 5am EST on August 10.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
