By Emma Burke (6/12/23).
Above: The Matildas in training to face Canada: Photo: Rachel Bach/Football Australia.
Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson has faced Australian and Canadian media in a match day -1 press conference to discuss his reasoning behind line-up choices, playing on synthetic grass, and the importance of this game as an opportunity to farewell one of the game’s greatest players.
“It’s important to give them a taste of what football is like at this level,” said Gustavsson regarding his youthful and inexperienced starting eleven that was dealt a 5-0 loss by Canada.
Gustavsson stressed the importance of being able to send the players back to their respective clubs or youth national teams knowing exactly what it takes to play at the highest level.
“They were ready to get that experience,” he said.
While it had been said previously, Gustavsson also noted that his choices were also impacted by player load management, ensuring that player safety and well-being was considered.
The game was played at Starlight Stadium, located in Langford, and uses synthetic grass, which “adds another layer to player safety and load management.”
Changing playing surfaces can increase the risk of player injury, due to the shifts in moments by the ball and by the players.
“Some players expressed frustration from the last game, they thought it was very difficult, especially the ones who play on grass week in week out,” said Gustavsson.
“It’s been easier for our players based in Sweden, as they have experience with it,” he said regarding the synthetic playing field.
The second game will be played at BC Place, in Vancouver, which also uses a synthetic surface, and will be the final national team game for Canadian Christine Sinclair.
Sinclair has scored 190 international goals, a record number irrespective of gender, and has played against and alongside many of the Matildas.
“Before the game, I hope that we can be a part of honouring her, that’s the respect she deserves, and I know the [Matildas] want to do it as well,” Gustavsson said of the legendary player.
“But I’ve said before, the best way to respect her once the game starts, is to make it a game, a proper game, and really compete, because that’s what she wants.”
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