Super Matildas ticking all the boxes at the Asian Cup

Columnist

By Tony Tannous, 22 May 2010 Tony Tannous is a Roar Expert

Tagged:: Asian Cup, Champions League, football, Matildas, World Football

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Take a bow Matildas. As we look ahead to the men’s World Cup in a few weeks, we might even afford a brief glance ahead to the women’s version next year. So far the Matildas have ticked all the boxes in what is shaping up as an exciting Asian Cup campaign.

Needing to finish in the top three of the eight team tournament to qualify for the 2011 World Cup in Germany, the first objective was to finish in the top two in the group to ensure a semi final spot. Tick.

With China, South Korea and Vietnam in the group, the key game leading into the tournament was always going to be the second one, against South Korea.

China, as the highest ranked of the three, was always bound to be the toughest, while Vietnam was expected to be the pushover.

Given that the Korean’s managed a surprise draw in their opener against China, the second game would take on even more significance.

After the second string side got the job done against Vietnam in the tournament opener on Wednesday in Chengdu, China, it was time for Tom Semanni to roll out the big guns last night in the crucial game against South Korea, and what an outstanding job they did, winning it 3-1.

The experienced Semanni certainly took a gamble by starting the Vietman game with his seconds, but what a masterstroke it has turned out to be.

The likes of Leena Khamis, Lydia Williams, Kylie Ledbrook, Thea Slatyer, Tameka Butt, Aivi Luik, Kyah Simon and Sally Shipard repaid the faith shown in them, and after a nervous start they got on top of Vietnam, eventually running out 2-0 winners.

Khamis, in particular, was a constant nuisance with her willingness to chase down everything and throw herself about up front. She was rewarded with the opener.

It is a measure of the growing depth of the women’s game in Australia that the second 11 can step in in such an important game and get the job done. It is also a big compliment to the W-League.

There were a couple of first team players in the defence, with Lauren Colthorpe, in particular, outstanding at right back, while Servet Uzunlar, the Paul Okon or Ned Zelic of the women’s game with her comfort on the ball, played a steady hand in central defence.

Last night it was time to bring out the fresh first 11, veterans Lisa De Vanna, Heather Garriock, Collette McCallam, Kate Gill and Melissa Barbieri joined by some fresh faces in Teigan Allen, Elise Kellond-Knight and Kim Carroll.

Add a few players who have been around the scene for a few years in Clare Plokinghorne, Colthorpe and Uzunlar, and you have a nice blend of youth and experience.

The team appears to have evolved since the sensational effort at the 2007 World Cup.

The stars though remain the left footed trio of De Vanna, Garriock and McCallum.

The latter pulls the strings from her deep-lying central midfield spot, Garriock adds the drive and quality on the ball from the left side of central midfield, while De Vanna is simply dynamite, blessed with incredible pace and wonderful ability on the ball.

She is the Harry Kewell of the women’s game, minus the injuries. Fingers crossed Kewell can emulate De Vanna’s performance come June 13.

What a luxury it was for Sermanni that he could bring someone of the quality of Sarah Walsh off the bench, not to mention the exciting talent that is Samantha Kerr, sister of AFL star Daniel.

What has also been impressive about the two games so far is the adjustment from the 4-4-2 used at the last World Cup to a FFA regulated 4-3-3. So far it looks a seamless transition, and Semanni and his girls should take a bow for that.

While there was some space between the three lines last night, what was so impressive about the performance was the organisation and the seamless shuffling of positions.

Everyone knew their jobs, and did them very well.

The Matildas controlled the match with both brawn and brain. Not only did they impose their superior physicality on the diminutive South Korean’s, they controlled the game with their good use of the ball.

Carroll’s opener, not surprisingly from a set piece, led to an avalanche as South Korea melted, physically and mentally. Having to use their first 11 in a tough opener, two days earlier, took its toll.

To their credit, they fought back in the final 15 minutes, but the Matlida’s defence these days appears to be made of stern stuff, with Uzunlar controlling things.

Now Sermanni’s girls take on China on Sunday (6pm EST on ABC 2), knowing a point will be enough to top the group.

The key game now, irrespective of whether it will be against North Korea or Japan, comes in the semi final four days later.

Win the semi final and the Matildas are on their way to Germany. Otherwise it’s a cut-throat third-fourth place play-off on Sunday, May 30.

Exciting and nervous times ahead, but on the evidence of their work so far, the Matildas look well equipped to keep ticking the boxes.

Follow Tony on Twitter @TonyTannousTRBA

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The Crowd Says (18) | Page 1 of Comments

Midfielder said | May 22nd 2010 @ 12:27am | Report comment

Tony … great read and a great result I watched both games … What I find hard to believe is this is the same side as four years my god they are playing well.. holding shape… control… etc.. I joked with my wife they could beat a few A-League teams and she who must be obeyed agreed.

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Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 12:35am | Report comment

Thanks Midfielder, spot on re the shape, organisation and control…all excellent. This team just get better and better, and the amount and quality of young girls coming through augurs well for the future.

The depth in this squad is amazing. Semanni has now used 22 of the 23. Only Casey Dumont, the third keeper, is yet to get game time.

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- Midfielder said | May 22nd 2010 @ 1:04am | Report comment
  
  Tony
  
  I think the W-League also has a lot do with their improvement … BTW anyone out there who has not seen these girls play are missing out on something…no BS this side is worth watching for how they play not just because it is an Australian side…
  
  I watched a few W-League matches this year and the Matilda’s playing in the various sides were being pushed and challenged for the right to wear the shirt… plus the Matilda’s are passing on their knowledge..
  
  Only sad thing is the ABC who broadcast these games live to not do any promotion for them even in house station promotion
  
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  - Cpaaa said | May 22nd 2010 @ 8:56am | Report comment
    
    Great analysis Tony, and Mid I agree with your comments. You have to be on the ball and know when our girls are playing on the ABC, for i missed their last match. i did watch the game against Vietnam with mum. She couldnt believe that this was Womens Football.
    I had a look at the lineups and i thought the majority would be from Sydney and Melbourne but it looks like Brisbane is the strongest followed by Canberra.
    
    Reply
    - Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 9:10am | Report comment
      
      Cheers Cpaa, if your mum was impressed by the standard against Vietnam, she would have been even more impressed yesterday – the intensity went up a notch or two.
      
      I checked the ABC TV guide and there doesn’t appear to be a replay of the South Korea game, but keep an eye out for tomorrow’s game (6pm ABC2), the semis on Thursday, and final (hopefully) or third place play off next Sunday.
      
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Vinay Verma said | May 22nd 2010 @ 2:31am | Report comment

Tony,Midfielder, concur with everything said above. The Aussie women are certainly excelling. Cricket,sailing and Slamming Sam Stosur. Our Golfers are well creditianled and now the Matildas. De Vanna is a dynamo and has a desrved reputation as a sharpshooter.

I had the pleasure of covering the Women’s World Cup in cricket when it was played at Bowral,North Sydney and Bankstown. The girls don’t hit as hard but they hit it as well. The don’t bowl as fast but they have the technique and the line. Rene Farrell and Lisa Stahlekar are two outstanding bowlers. Jhulan Goswami the Indian Captain is the McGrath of women’s cricket. Mithali Raj is one of the premier batswomen and has great hands. I could be watching Mark Waugh. In Perry you probably have the world’s best all-round cricketer.

The press tent for the media was the smallest you could imagine. The interest from mainstream media was scanty. However ABC Radio with their Grandstand coverage was outstanding. More power to them.

The Aussie girls play with aggression like their male counterparts and are renowned for the same never say die attitude. This is the one trait that is common to all Aussie Sport and the envy of the rest of the world.

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- Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 8:42am | Report comment
  
  Thanks Vinay, I hadn’t heard of both Goswami and Raj, so look forward to catching them one day. The thing that has really impressed about watching women’s cricket in the past fews years (as compared with say six years ago) is the quantum leap in bowling standards, and Perry is a great example of that.
  
  Speaking of Perry, what about her amazing bit of work with the right foot in the T20 final vs NZ, stopping a boundary with the final play, great stuff.
  
  Of course, she went to the cricket T20 world cup this year, but could well be at the football World Cup next year. Some all-rounder.
  
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agga78 said | May 22nd 2010 @ 7:37am | Report comment

Well the Matilda’s are certainly playing a better brand of footballl than the socceroos at the minute, full credit to Sermani, he is an excellent manager even though he is Scottish. (foz) I think the media won’t get on to womans football unless they are reaching the Semi final of a world cup, but I suppose thats what happens with woman team sports in this country.

I noticed as well that our matilda’s have something to aim for club wise with a European champions league for women having started up, certainly a truly professional career is not far away for these girls. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2010/05/20/1934860/potsdam-defeat-lyon-on-penalties-to-claim-inaugural-uefa

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MV Dave said | May 22nd 2010 @ 7:42am | Report comment

Brilliant work from the Matildas…fingers crossed for a semi final win. The last Womens WC in China was fantastic…excellent games and big crowds (37,000 ave from memory). Will be supporting them all the way.
BTW Agree with Mid re the W League having major benefits for the players which should have a flow on effect through the national team in years to come.

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NY said | May 22nd 2010 @ 7:43am | Report comment

What a wonderful bunch of ambassadors for this country both our Socceroos and Matildas are. Australia should be proud of these two teams. I also love Peter Wilkins commentary on the ABC. One more game and the Matildas can get in the Asian Cup final whilst also qualifying for the World Cup. I look forward to this and the W-league next year.

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matty1974 said | May 22nd 2010 @ 8:01am | Report comment

I watched the Matildas live in the late 90′s (as a curtain raiser to an NSL game) and the difference in quality of the team from then to now is mind blowing.
The Matildas are giving Aussie football fans yet another reason to feel proud and I can’t wait to watch our National team in next years WC in Germany.
Thanks for the great article Tony!

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- Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 8:57am | Report comment
  
  Cheers matty, one step at a time, hopefully they’re there, neither Japan nor North Korea will be easy…and you’re spot on about the difference in quality between then and now. The number of girls playing these days, and their amazing love of the game, has seen to that.
  
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David V. said | May 22nd 2010 @ 1:01pm | Report comment

I’ve been watching it, I’ve been following it, I believe the Matildas can and will win this tournament! Surely we’ve got a chance against China.

The stars of the 2007 breakthrough are now in their prime. Collette McCallum is a fine playmaker – don’t we need a male equivalent for the Socceroos so badly? – and De Vanna combines talent and attitude that makes her a pleasure to watch. Gill should be able to use her height well in this tournament.

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- Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 3:02pm | Report comment
  
  Wouldn’t have thought so before the tourni David, but we’re in with a sniff, for sure…
  We’re definitely a team on the rise, and the fact South Korea managed to hold China augurs well. China also only need a point to get through (they could still lose and get through on goal difference provided Korean don’t rack up a big score against Vietnam), so they might settle for that rather than going all out.
  
  Will be interesting to see how Semanni plays it. I think it would be wise to shuffle the deck again and freshen up yesterday’s line-up.
  
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jupiter53 said | May 22nd 2010 @ 5:12pm | Report comment

Minor point Tony but I think it’s Servet Uzunlar not Unzunlar. Last year my daughter was at a NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation holiday training camp for girls with Sydney FC W League players doing the coaching. Some of the Sydney players were a little lacking in people skills but Servet was uniformly encouraging and found a way to say something positive to even the most inept of the girls. She also obviously was very skilful and it’s great to see her being successful at this level.

I agree that Tommy Sermanni’s handling of the playing resources over the tournament so far has been exemplary. He also has the women playing a classy brand of football. I thought Sarah Walsh’s through ball to De Vanna for the second goal could not have been better played by anyone, male or female.

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- Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 7:22pm | Report comment
  
  Thanks Jupiter, you’re right, must have been the way Peter Wilkins has been pronoucing her name, now fixed. NY said earlier that the girls are great ambassadors for the country, and your anecdote on Uzunlar only backs that up. I’ve met a few of the girls and can only agree, wonderfully down to earth.
  
  That through ball from Walsh was beautifully weighted, and no doubt came from the two having been together in the national team for many years. Xavi-esque.
  
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Anne Tenna said | May 22nd 2010 @ 6:22pm | Report comment

Well done Tony for writing on the performance side of the Matlidas – not just another puff piece. It’s good to see some analysis and debate. Keep it coming.

SBS’s World game website has been outstanding … at ignoring the Matildas and the tournament. No comment, no analysis and a late story just taken off the wire service. Looks like nobody in the SBS team could be bothered watching the matches. Due no doubt to a mixture of being cranky at the ABC being chosen for the coverage of women’s football and their general football misogyny.

So here’s my analysis of your analysis.

You are right to say that Tom Sermanni’s management of the team, is a critical factor, both in the long term strategic sense and match to match. He absolutely knows what he is doing and he is making the most of the talent he has available.

Preserving so many key players by holding them out of the first match was a gamble – a 2 goal win was not much But it has proved a good bet with the Matildas’ win over South Korea and the SK/China draw.

I’ll think you’ll find that the formation alters from 4 4 2 and 4 3 3 depending on opponents and situation. Sermanni has used both formations before and after the tablets have come down from “God on high” about 4 3 3 and have no doubt he will continue to use his discretion.

But…

1 The Roar needs to expand its photo library – poor effort top show a photo featuring a retired player (Cheryl Salisbury) from a tournament 4 years ago.

2 You could have pointed out that the team looked at its best for the 7 minutes that De Vanna and Walsh were on the field at the same time.

3 The team should have dealt far better with the push by the South Koreans after their goal. There are still defensive uncertainties – to be expected given the retirements of Cheryl Salisbury, Di Alagich, Jo Peters and Alicia Ferguson. The replacements have not reached their standard yet and we can look vulnerable under attack.

By the way the referee in the South Korea match was good – she didn’t pay free kicks when small players fell over unlike the ref in the first match.

The next matches will be really good tests of our ongoing development post the high water mark of WWC China 2007. We got to that event via a second place in the 2006 version of the current event and should be aiming to do no less this time – hopefully one step better! Why not.

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- Tony Tannous said | May 22nd 2010 @ 8:06pm | Report comment
  
  Great comment Anne, thanks for your input.
  
  Re your points.
  
  1. We’ll see what we can conjure up.
  2. Fair point, they’ve got a great combination, built on years of playing together in a front two, which I noted in my reply to Jupiter’s post. I enjoyed watching De Vanna play on the left side of a front three, think it suits her as she can drift infield if she wants or use the space out wide. I noticed also Walsh came on for Allen, out on the right, so it was interesting to see them out on the flanks, with Gill in the middle. I have been used to seeing De Vanna and Walsh together in a front two, but I enjoyed the front three, it looked fluid. I noticed also that the Korean resurgence came soon after De Vanna was replaced (obviously, at 2-0, Sermanni was saving her), which shows how important she is to our attack. We looked a little blunt after she came off. I think our domination in that period was partly about the fresh legs of Walsh (wise move to save her) and her combination with De Vanna and partly about the tiring Koreans, nine of who were backing up from Wed.
  3. There’s been alot of changes in defence, but so far I’ve been impressed by Colthorpe, Uzunlar and Kellond-Knight. What was really surprising for me was how shaky we looked at set pieces in the final 25 mins. I think that’s the area Sermanni really needs to concentrate on.
  
  I’m with ya, hopefully a first Asian Cup title, but one step at a time.
  
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