Matildas fail early test with lofty expectations.
Australia were stunned on Sunday against Italy, who have not made the Women’s World Cup in 20 years, by a count of 2-1. It was a dour performance for a team who were expected to be one of the dark horses of the tournament. Having said that, there are few easy games this time around in the Women’s World Cup. So here are three takeaways plus one about the Matildas.
1. MIMICKING DENMARK?: It could be mimicking the Red Stars as well as the main plan for Australia is get the ball to Sam Kerr much like virtually the whole of Denmark’s strategy last year in Russia was get the ball to Christian Eriksen. Yes, Sam Kerr did score, but even Kerr cannot offset a suspect defense that’s more suspect without Katrina Gorry there despite Lydia Williams in goal.
2. SET PIECES: It was a 95th minute set piece that turned one point to zero. Simply put, if you cannot guard set pieces, you are not going to win. Alexi Lalas would be a millionaire if he got a nickel for every time a team failed to defend a set piece.
3. PRESS YOUR LUCK: Australia were playing a high-press game and it stopped at a whammy. It was one of reasons why Italy were able to equalize and eventually win the game (or hit Big Bucks!). Brazil are still Brazil and a high-press, play from the back style could give Australia three more whammies to knock them out of the competition.
The Plus One: Australia can still rebound and go through to the knockout stage, but they need a result against Brazil and now a win over Jamaica to be in good standing to advance. They need something more defensively against Cristiane and something more in terms of attack than just giving the ball to Sam Kerr and let her do her magic.
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