Above: Clare Hunt in action in a previous game for the Matildas. Image: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (27/10/24).
After the Matildas played out a tight draw with Switzerland, Clare Hunt spoke to the press about the result as well as the upcoming game against Germany.
“I think the result was pretty fair for the game we played.” Hunt said, elaborating that the team was obviously happy to have gotten on the scoreboard, but remarking that the result came down to defensive errors and a lack of organisation. Switzerland’s goal came from a mess in the Matildas’ penalty box that no player managed to get a solid boot on. Hunt reiterated the necessity of an organised defence that can clear danger.
Although there were moments of chaos and poor play, this game was a massive positive for Australia after a rough Olympic Games. “We’re in a bit of a transition period, we’ve had a new coaching staff come in, we’ve had a few young players come in as well. So I think for us, its a good start to this friendly series.”
The promising signs included great games by some of Australia’s young stars in Kyra Cooney-Cross and Kaitlyn Torpey, the confidence of Caitlin Foord in burying a penalty when the regular takers were absent, and the introduction of the exciting Daniela Galic. Hunt spoke of the positives from the performance, saying, “we were quite effective moving forward quickly and creating transition moments, and I think that’s where our goal came from.”
“Every game that we have together is great preparation so I think moving forward, we really need to use these games to our advantage.”
Hunt also spoke about the Matildas need to find their identity, saying they need to “find things that work for us, recognise the things that don’t, and just continue to just build our style of play.” Under Tony Gustavsson, they had a very possession-based style that tried to force playing out from the back. Under interim manager Tom Sermanni, the Matildas are getting back to basics in order to get in the groove and find themselves again.
Looking ahead to the match-up with a formidable Germany side, Hunt is focused on how to improve in defence. “We need to be a bit more secure at the back and organise defensively better this game.”
“Germany are a great squad and they had a wonderful result against England, so we know the competition will be tough, but I think if we create good transition moments going forward, take our chances in front of goal, and organise defensively then I think we have a shot.”
The two sides faced each other recently in the Olympics, a game where Germany emerged victorious with a 3-0 win. Regardless, the Matildas are not dwelling on the past, only using clips from that match to prepare. “We only played them three months ago, so I don’t think their style of play has changed considerably.”
Further in the future, the Matildas are using these friendlies and a relatively relaxed year to start their preparation for a big Asian Cup on home soil in 2026. These periods without major tournaments are so important for national teams to form their identity, grow their squad, and recharge after a packed schedule.
“It’s been really lovely to see everyone again, train with everyone again, and be a part of the group. It’s nice to build towards a big end of year, but always looking forward to the Asian Cup coming up and the qualifications next year.”
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