Opinion
No Kerr, no medal? Think again when it comes to skilled and hungry Matildas
Craig Foster
Football columnistThe Matildas have never beaten Germany in a major international competition – and the key to breaking that drought will be the tactical growth of the team.
The Olympics will be the ultimate test. Tony Gustavsson has worked to add tactical depth to the group and to play in different ways and against different styles. Last year’s World Cup demonstrated the team’s capability to counterattack with exceptional speed and skill.
Nonetheless, against teams that were less aggressive, question marks remained about their capacity to break down deeper defences without the aerial strength of Sam Kerr.
The recent friendly against Mexico, who press very high, enabled the team to work on their build-up through pressure, which will be needed against Germany and the USA in Paris. And the two matches against China were an exercise in patience and the principles of overcoming a counterattacking team.
Finding the best position and role for Mary Fowler – specifically, when and how to press if 36-year-old Michelle Heyman starts – and being able to create enough opportunities will be one of the keys for the Matildas. Ideally, a strong start would allow some player rotation in the second game and a fresh team to take on world No. 5 USA in the final group match.
There are doubters. Former USA star Julie Foudy, for one, doesn’t think the Australians can win a medal without Kerr. Is that fair?
Matildas attacking player Mary Fowler.Credit: Ann Odong/Australian Olympic Team
As world-class as she is, the team demonstrated their ability to perform at international level without Kerr at last year’s World Cup, and will need to build on that if they are to win a medal in France. Crucially, they can have confidence in their ability to do so.
Different solutions were found with Emily van Egmond and Fowler at times playing further forward and, of course, Heyman has returned after a five-year hiatus. So there are different options for different moments in games and opposing styles.
All of Australia is looking to Fowler, who has an opportunity to further evolve as a key player. And the threat of all the wingers – from Hayley Raso to Caitlin Foord, Courtney Vine and Sharn Freier – is important. Opponents will be trying to stop Australia’s wide players, which may open up space for Fowler through the middle.
The challenge appears enormous. Australia’s group contains two teams – Germany and the USA – who between them have won five of the seven Olympic gold medals awarded for women’s football.
But Australia, as they demonstrated at last year’s World Cup, are in with a chance. Aside from England, who are not in the tournament, all the teams between No.12-ranked Australia through to France (No.2), are very evenly matched.
The experience of Australia’s squad is vast, and the hunger for success is insatiable in what will be the international swansong for many.
Fitness will be key. Players including Katrina Gorry, Steph Catley, Foord, Tameka Yallop and Kaitlyn Torpey have carried injuries into the tournament and will be tested to the extreme.
But the Matildas are always at their best under stress and facing a test.
Expectation is at an all-time high, which brings its own challenges, but the group has shown that they can excel under the greatest pressure. Needless to say, we’re all backing them to win the medal they richly deserve and build upon their legacy in Australian sport.
Craig Foster will appear as a soccer expert on Stan Sport’s daily Olympics shows.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch Women’s Football action from Paris 2024 ad-free, live and on demand in 4K. Continues on Wednesday morning with Canada v New Zealand (12:50am AEST), Spain v Japan (12:50am AEST) and Germany v Matildas (2:50am AEST).