By Isabelle Campbell 28/06/2025
Above: Amy Sayer for Australia. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus
Following their 3-0 win over Slovenia on Thursday night, the Matildas and head coach Joe Montemurro have set their sights on the second game in the series and on continuing to build a cohesive identity under the newly appointed boss.
The match, Montemurro’s first in charge, offered both a positive result and a glimpse into the style he wants to establish with the squad.
“As a whole, right after the game, it gave me a really good feeling and sensation, playing against a team that did what they did, allowed us to sort of really see the realities of the way we want to play and what we need to do to fix that.”
“We learned, it was a perfect game to learn and a perfect game to grow. It painted a lot of really good pictures for us. We can build on that.”
Despite the convincing scoreline, Montemurro was quick to point out the need for consistency and bravery on the ball, whilst also highlighting the various fitness levels within the squad in this window.
“We just now need to be more consistent and more, I suppose, brave with it. But we have to put in context the period of the season, players out of season, players who haven’t played a lot, players who are coming back from injury, and so on, so as a whole, we’re trying to find a good balance.”
As for tactical preparation and focus ahead of Sunday’s match, Montemurro stressed that the team’s focus is on internal development rather than being overly interested in playing based on the opponent at hand.
“It’s no disrespect to any opposition that we play, but you know, it’s really about us. We’ve really focussed on our principles, our base, and that we build a good foundation,”
“When you build a foundation that’s believable, you have those insurance policies so you know that even when not analysing the opposition team, if we do what we do well, we’ll get through the game.”
Midfielder Amy Sayer, who played her first full match for the national team since returning from injury, was encouraged by both the performance and Montemurro’s approach.
“Joe’s emphasised that it’s simple. It’s nothing life-changing, but it’s about doing the small things right and doing it together. It’d be quite easy to tidy up the gaps, and it’s just about getting used to his coaching style and playing together,”
“We gave away a few too many opportunities for Slovenia to have chances on goal, luckily we had Teagan [Micah] between the sticks, no wonder she was player of the match, because she really saved us.”
Sayer shared that post-match conversations between the team confirmed the sense of direction and growth within the squad.
“Looking at the game and talking to the girls, and talking to Joe right after the game, everything started to look good. I think he really established the playing style that he wants to have, and we’re trying to deliver on that.”
Sayer also had praise for teammate Holly McNamara, who scored her debut Matildas goal, one that has been long awaited by fans and players alike.
“I actually thought Holly had already scored, because she’s always in the goalmouth, and she’s so talented at getting in there and having those attacking chances,”
“You could see the relief on her face, especially with the trials and tribulations she’s been through with three ACLs. I can imagine, I mean, I know exactly how she was feeling.”
“When she was celebrating, she was just looking up and just so happy to get it in finally. She had a lot of chances in the game. I can really relate to it.”
As for herself, Sayer said the outing was a strong step in her own return journey.
“I feel great, so I hope I can put away another performance like that.”
With Montemurro’s foundation laid and the squad showing early signs of cohesion, all eyes now turn to game two, and the continued evolution of this new Matildas’ era.
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