The sting of a near-miss still lingered in Sydney, a day after the Matildas’ heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Japan in the Women’s Asian Cup final. While a couple of thousand passionate fans turned out for a ‘thank you’ event, their enthusiasm and homemade signs couldn’t quite lift the spirits of the team. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the joyous celebration after their fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup in Brisbane, which saw a sea of smiles and the uplifting rendition of “Strawberry Kisses.”
This time, the disappointment was palpable. The sunglasses worn by some players weren’t just a fashion statement; they were a shield against the pain of a trophy that had felt within reach. The joy of the World Cup had been about exceeding expectations, a celebration of achievement. This loss, however, represented a missed opportunity, perhaps the final major tournament on home soil for a generation of talented athletes whose careers are undeniably on the clock.
The question on everyone’s lips: how do the Matildas rebound from this gut-wrenching defeat?
The Elusive Grand Plan
Businesses often operate with five or ten-year plans, charting a course for the future. Japan, however, is a testament to a much grander vision, two decades into a century-long footballing strategy. It’s this kind of unwavering commitment to a long-term approach that Australia seems to be lacking. Without a cohesive, sustained national plan, the Matildas might never replicate their 2010 Asian Cup triumph.
Joe Montemurro, the current Matildas manager, is arguably better positioned than most to help forge this crucial vision for Australian women’s football. Yet, he stresses that the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders. “We have a tendency in this country to try something, it doesn’t work, we start something else, then we do something else,” Montemurro observed after the loss to Japan. “We’ve got to decide who we are, what we want to be, and where we want to be in 10, 15 years time, and stick to it. We’ve got to believe in an identity of who we want to be and where we want to go, and it has to start at youth levels.”
Montemurro acknowledges that Australia’s smaller population and player pool present challenges compared to nations like Japan. However, he points to Japan’s consistent success as a result of a robust, unwavering system. “They make tough decisions at young ages, and they stick to the program. They stick to their development processes,” he explained.
The current pathway for aspiring players in Australia involves private academies or A-League Women clubs. The latter, in particular, are grappling with their own set of hurdles. Players have consistently advocated for increased investment in the domestic competition to facilitate full-time professionalism. Furthermore, grassroots facilities are struggling to keep pace with the burgeoning demand from girls and women embracing the sport. These are systemic financial issues that fall outside the national coach’s direct remit.
However, Montemurro does have control over the blueprint for a distinct national playing style – a plan he’s had in place since day one. While the Matildas occasionally veered from this strategy during the tournament, their performance in the final showcased its best embodiment.
“We embarked on a process to say, ‘OK, what are the best teams in the world doing, and where do we need to be?'” Montemurro stated. “[It’s about] keeping the ball, we have to control our situation and our destiny. And when you’re playing against a team that is super fluid, in terms of my technical perspective, we need to mould that with our physicality and our mentality. So we need to find that balance.”
Charting the Course Ahead
The immediate future for the Matildas involves a FIFA friendly series against Malawi, and either Kenya or India, scheduled for the coming weeks. While these opponents may not represent the elite calibre Montemurro has been seeking to further elevate the team’s standing, they offer a valuable platform for emerging talent to stake their claim.
As the next couple of years unfold, external scrutiny on the team’s more experienced players might intensify. While established stars like Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Hayley Raso are unlikely to face significant challenges to their positions, the midfield could become a more competitive arena. Players like Emily van Egmond and Katrina Gorry may find themselves looking over their shoulders as Amy Sayer and Clare Wheeler press for starting roles.
“It’s very hard to say bye [to the older players] because they’re all playing Champions League, they’re all playing top-level football,” Montemurro commented. “Maybe in my time, when you’re over 28 or 29 or 30, you were too old. But nowadays with our sports science, and now with our recovery and with our processes and our load management, players can still play on, and I’m excited. I’m excited about that batch, but the next batch is really, really exciting too.”
The critical question remains: will Montemurro have the sustained backing and resources required to nurture this promising next generation and help them achieve their full potential on the international stage?
