The Matildas’ final pre-FIFA World Cup hit out leaves them well poised to take on Ireland, writes David Davutovic from Marvel Stadium.
Two big questions remain for the Matildas heading into their historic FIFA World Cup opener against Ireland on Thursday.
There’s also a third, if we include Mary Fowler. More on that later.
The defence and the make up of the final 23-player squad are the two hot topics among the keenest Matildas observers, and Friday night’s 1-0 against Euro 2022 semi-finalists France posed more questions than answers. Good questions.
This was the first time this back four – back five if you include keeper Mackenzie Arnold – combined and crucially, it was the first time the central defenders were paired.
It was an injury to Alanna Kennedy which opened the door for Clare Hunt to come into the Matildas squad last February, with her Matildas debut – on February 16, eight days after Kennedy’s last match, for Manchester City.
Since coming on at half time against Czechia and changing the game, Hunt hasn’t looked back and that has catapulted her into there World Cup selection frame.
Against France, she proved that she is not only a lock to play at this World Cup, but a great chance of playing a prominent role.
Partnering namesake Clare Polkinghorne for the better part of her hitherto four-and-a-half games – or 405 minutes – Hunt got her first chance to partner Kennedy tonight (Friday).
Dub at the Cup is the KEEPUP Audio Network’s comprehensive coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, powered by our experts from the Liberty A-League’s Dub Zone program. Ahead of the tournament, Liberty A-League legends Cath Cannulli and Grace Gill have previewed every group.
It was final final piece of coach Tony Gustavsson’s experimental jigsaw leading into the World Cup, and defences can make or break World Cup campaigns, as 2019 World Cup coach Ante Milicic will attest.
Swede Gustavsson would be entering the tournament more confident than he has been throughout his tenure about his defensive depth.
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Hunt’s first six international matches have been as good as any Matildas in recent memory and last night she produced another assured and aggressive defensive display.
Her heavy 17th minute touch almost cost the Matildas a goal, when she was pick-pocketed by Kenza Dali before with Selma Bacha’s shot was blocked by Arnold.
But she remained unperturbed and composed, blocking a goal-bound shot moments later, and keeping star Lyon striker Eugenie Le Sommer in her pocket, and follwing her as far as 30 metres up the pitch.
Kennedy limped off in the 79th minute with what appeared to be cramp, cutting a relatively relaxed figure as Polkinghorne replaced her.
Having only played 396 minutes this season, this was Kennedy’s first appearance since an FA Women’s League Cup match on February 8 and assuming she’s passed fit, that will be a huge plus for her.
Now Gustavsson has a healthy problem. Which two he starts against Ireland. And who he persists with as the tournament progresses.
SOMETHING ABOYT MARY
Whilst defensive solidity is the necessary foundation for the Matildas to make a World Cup impact, the attack could determine how far they go, and be the difference in key moments.
And for a team that has remained largely unchanged since the last World Cup, Fowler looms as a key over the next five weeks.
Sam Kerr is clearly the megastar, but Fowler is the new addition from 2019 – she was picked but didn’t feature – and provides a key missing piece of the attacking puzzle.
In two exquisite touches, half-time substitute Fowler’s impeccably timed run and first touch from Hayley Raso’s pass, set her up and made it appear as though she had more time than she actually did. The action was completed with an ice-cool finish.
That was the composure the Matildas lacked in the first half, during their myriad attacking forays, led by Cortnee Vine, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso.
Fowler’s poise provides a perfect balance to the blistering pace of the aforementioned trio.
Then there’s Kerr, who is on another level, but who will clearly attract plenty of attention throughout the tournament, with France skipper Wendie Renard’s first half cruncher a timely reminder.
It provides Gustavsson with great variety and depth in that attacking third.
Fowler may not start against Ireland, but she will undoubtedly be in the first XI when it comes to the business end of the World Cup.
SUBS’ SELECTION HINT
Kyah Simon is the final question mark and whilst she was picked in the squad, her selection could go down to the wire.
Whilst Gustavsson did say he was wrapping Simon in cotton wool until the knockout phase of the World Cup, starting August 5, she was the only player who did not warm up last night.
The Matildas have until 24 hours before Thursday night’s 8pm AEST kick off to make any changes to their final 23-players squad.
Gustavsson pointed to that when discussing Kyah Simon’s selection at the squad announcement press conference, nine months post knee reconstruction.
Whilst any replacements would likely come from the extra six players picked in the initial 29-player squad, which included Emily Gielnik and Amy Sayer, the Matildas can still pull a selection shock, with any one of the extended 50-player squad – which wasn’t publicly released – able to be selected.
Tameka Yallop’s hyper-extended knee was the other concern, with Aivi Luik coming on for the closing moments.
The Matildas were a bit rusty early on, having not played together since April.
But they also struggled to adapt to Marvel Stadium’s firmer, faster surface.
Six days out from your opening World Cup match, Gustavsson will be content.
The only disclaimer being Yallop and Simon. Two key experienced players who are key parts of this squad.
The Matildas are ready for Ireland.
Dub at the Cup is the KEEPUP Audio Network’s comprehensive coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, powered by our experts from the Liberty A-League’s Dub Zone program. Join host Teo Pellizzeri daily throughout the tournament as he is joined by a rotation of Australia’s most respected pundits, experts and Liberty A-League stars for daily news, reaction and analysis of the biggest issues and talking points from the global showpiece event.
