Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on the press conference featuring Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon ahead of the two nations’ meeting at HBF Park in Perth tomorrow as the second round of Asian qualifying for the Olympics gets underway – plus photos from training today (25/10/23).
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson at the media conference in Perth today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed some of the outcomes of his World Cup analysis ahead of three Olympic qualifiers which he described as a “big challenge.”
Speaking to the media at Perth’s HBF Park today, the Australia boss highlighted both the positives and development points from his team’s World Cup journey that saw the Matildas finish fourth.
“In terms of our pressing game, we were one of the most efficient teams in the World Cup, and that was a key reason for why we went as far as we did. In terms of the regain – losing the ball and winning it back – we were not as good as the other top teams, and we need to improve that.
“We were one of the best teams in the World Cup at breaking the lines – but, in terms of breaking through, we were not. Hopefully, we will see some improvements in that during this tournament.”
With this stage of the Olympic qualifying featuring three games in such a short period of time, Gustavsson emphasised the importance of rotation over the coming week and highlighted two players in particular that he is excited to give opportunities to.
“I’m really excited for some new players coming into the camp. Amy Sayer missed out on the World Cup by that much (held thumb and finger closely together) – that sparked something in her. She has been fantastic with Kristianstads in Sweden and you can see that in training. With Charlize Rule, you can see the rewards of investment in our U23 team. She has been one of the standouts in that space.”
As is always the case with the Matildas, the opportunity to have full training sessions ahead of the first match in an international window is limited, and this time round the challenge has been added to by temperatures of 34c in Perth.
“This is a big challenge, this tournament. We have not been together for nine weeks, and today was the first time I’ve had the whole squad together. We’ve had one training session going into the tournament with jet lag, and that’s probably the same with the other teams. That means there will be some rusty performances. With three games in short succession, we will have to rotate in the roster. With the heat, we’ve had to have lighter training. It will also impact the matches, slowing things down and how we use set plays.”
At the conclusion of the World Cup, there were discussions about Gustavsson’s future, with strong rumoured interest from the USWNT in securing his services. The Swede reiterated his deep love for his current role, and what he wants to see happen next from the authorities in Australia to motivate him to extend his contract with the Matildas.
“This (job) is my full focus. I love working with this team. I have one year left on my contract. We know we are never better than our last game. The USA is one of the biggest jobs in the world in terms of finance. But working with this team is one of the biggest jobs in the world. Look at what we’ve done. What we did at the World Cup was not the end of something, it was the start of something. I was clear then, and I am also clear now – I want to see investment. For me to be motivated to stay, we can’t be complacent.”
One of the headlines in the Matildas’ long-awaited return to Perth is the equally long-awaited presence of local hero Sam Kerr. With the record goalscorer playing a limited role in Chelsea’s opening WSL matches, Gustavsson was realistic about how often the East Fremantle-born star will be used in the three games
“I will work closely with my SSSM team, they work very closely with Chelsea as well. We all want Sam to be in form. We can expect to see some rotation with her. It’s then down to me to consider where the most impact will be – starting her, bringing her on.”
After the successes of lower-ranked nations in the World Cup, and Australia’s own travails at the Asian Cup, Gustavsson recognised that his team face unique challenges over the coming days – he also identified the specific areas that he expects all three opponents to cause his side some potential headaches.
“They are very well organised, they are very well structured, but I am very impressed with their technical ability. If you give them time and space, all three teams (Iran, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines) are very good on the ball. If we’re not aggressive, all these three teams can hurt us with the ball.
“Also, they will not give us much space, and we need space to be successful. That will be a challenge for us, to unlock teams and create the space that we need to get behind.”
IR Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon spoke of her delight that her team made it through to the second round of qualifying and the wider implications of their progress.
“Football keeps all our nations together and shows the unity of nations, despite our religion and politics. Football is a social event, not just a sporting event.
“I want you to know that Iranian football is underdeveloped and we are aiming for a good performance. Iranian families who watch these games – we want to give them hope that we can do our best and develop women’s football in Iran to be among the top-level Asian teams. For us to be here as an Iran team – it is a very good opportunity for women football players in Iran.
“Football is not predictable, but we know we will have to play very hard and strong teams. It’s very hard for us, but we are here to update our knowledge. Our players have never played in full-capacity stadiums, so they will be so excited to see that. Everything is new for us. We are playing the top teams in Asia.”
Photography from Matildas training at HBF Park today from Rachel Bach/Football Australia
Impetus will be providing detailed coverage from all the Matildas’ matches in Perth with a team of photographers plus reporters in the press box and covering the media conferences.
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