Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign couldn’t have started any worse, with the Matildas suffering a shock last-gasp loss to Italy.
Two goals from Juventus star Barbara Bonansea – the latter coming deep into stoppage time – saw Sam Kerr’s first-half penalty erased as the Aussies crashed to a 2-1 loss.
Criticism came thick and fast for our girls, with sloppy defending, poor midfield play and horrible errors on both Italy goals making the tournament-opening match ugly watching for Australian fans.
Coupled with some underwhelming warmup match performances, it’s looking a bit dicey.
How can the Matildas break out of his poor run of form?
We were joined by Roar football expert Mike Tuckerman on the Game of Codes podcast to see just how Australia can rescue their 2019 campaign.
Listen to the discussion:
It doesn’t get much easier for the Matildas, with their next assignment being the might of Brazil at 2am on Friday morning (AEST).
Australia enter this tournament ranked sixth on the women’s rankings, making them the favourites to top their group. Anything less than an appearance in the knockout stages would be a tough pill to swallow.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
JimboJones
Guest
Ive also heard she's ( Reid ) continuing on the North Pole , after the world cup to visit Santa Claus , to discuss what presents she will be sending Alan Stajcic for Xmas.....At her own expense , of course .
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Your last sentence barely warrants a reply, more a complaint, but nonetheless, if you are going to throw eggs at Heather Reid (which are likely richly deserved btw), at least be correct and throw them for the right reasons. She is in France as a guest of FIFA and at her own expense, to participate in talks on women's football. She most certainly is not 'galvanting around the globe with them (being the Matildas I presume), like an incurable virus'.
anon
Roar Pro
They choked Sunday night. Probably cost them going to the next round. Need a hard-nosed coach like Stajcic in there.
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
People drawing a direct link between Stajcic's sacking and current results are forgetting our recent record against European teams and playing away generally. We've got ourselves a lofty ranking, thanks to home form and some good Tournament of Nations results, but it's not an accurate world ranking, it's an Anthony Joshua ranking. Those friendlies against France and England, and last year's Algarve Cup (all under Stajcic) were more reflective of the performance we could expect in this cup, and against Euro opposition in particular. We should do enough against Brazil and Jamaica to get through the group, but we'll have to take a big step up to go any further.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Sports media can sometimes build teams up & then jump on them when they lose. In Brisbane the local "rag" continually produce articles which give the impression that Broncos & Lions are virtually unbeatable. Both were beaten by cellar dwellers last weekend.
Blubber
Guest
They need a female coach .
Nemesis
Guest
I don't want to finish 3rd in the Group, but 4 of the nations in 3rd place also qualify for the Ro16. I think our Group's 3rd Place will likely play France in Ro16. Another reason not to finish 3rd.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I think you'll find that 4 points from the group might not be enough. With Brazil winning easily [3-0] and if Italy and Brazil draw I think you'll find we won't qualify, which in my mind will be a total disaster for the sport. Hopefully we can turn things around and 'thump' Brazil and Jamaica which will put added pressure on both Italy and Brazil to get a result in their game.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
They might struggle to beat the better teams, but they can definitely beat the middling ones. They will progress to the next round, I have no doubt about that. One point against Brazil will be enough to virtually guarantee advancement.
Mahler
Guest
In a nutshelll...totally over-rated team. Prone to disaster moments. Some of them are too slow. Lack ball control. Cannot beat the top teams.
Useless 25mm spanner
Guest
No! The Matilda’s have been politicised, which will have introduced division within the team after the Stajcic debacle. On top of that , the gruub at the centre of it all ( Heather Reid) is now galavanting around the globe with them , like an incurable virus. This will stain them for a lot longer than some ( ignorant leeftys) people think.