The Matildas will have to quell the threat of the world’s most in-form attacker in their crucial second pool match against Zambia if they are to keep their hopes of a first Olympic medal alive.
But Australia have been given a boost after Canada were deducted six points after the New Zealand Olympic Committee reported a drone was flown over the Football Ferns’ training session on Monday, which could help them sneak through to the quarter-finals.
The Matildas meet Zambia’s Copper Queens on Sunday (Monday morning AEST) in Nice after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Germany in their opening game.
Coach Tony Gustavsson agreed with the assessment of forward Barbra Banda by USA coach Emma Hayes, who said last week the Zambians “on form probably have the best striker in the world right now”.
The pacy Banda has scored more than 50 international goals at close to a rate of one per match, and has a similar record for the Orlando Pride this year in the NWSL.
“Will there be a couple of times where she gets a one-on-one with the keeper? Yeah, most likely,” Gustavsson said. “Even against the US, she was three times one-on-one with the keeper behind the backline, so we need to try to stop it.”
Despite Banda’s threat, the USA defeated Zambia 3-0 in their first pool match. The early results mean if either Australia or Zambia loses on Sunday, they will almost certainly be eliminated from the tournament.
But the sanction against Tokyo gold medallists Canada – which could still be appealed – is likely to make it easier for the Australians to reach the knock-out stage.
As part of the 12-team, three-group format of the Olympics tournament, the two third-placed teams with the most points will also go through.
The Matildas are focusing on themselves however, after conceding two goals from corners against Germany. “We looked at details on set plays, we know we need to get better at that, we’re normally very good on set plays,” Gustavsson said.
Attacker Mary Fowler said the two day gap between games has helped her put the first match behind her. “I accept that I also personally wasn’t on my top level in that game, so yeah, I just try to refocus and be better in the next one,” she said.
after newsletter promotion
Fowler revealed she is adjusting to her growing level of fame, spurred on by her prominent endorsements, large social media presence and high-profile romance with rugby league player Nathan Cleary.
“I’m trying not to think about it too much, I’ve got good people around, good support,” Fowler said. “And at the end of the day, you just have to remember that you’re doing so well, and I get so many good opportunities, get to be at the Olympics, spend it with a good bunch of girls, so yeah – just seeing the positive side of things.”
Gustavsson rubbished the notion that the Matildas’ preparation has been sub-par, saying his coaching staff had seven extra days with the players outside Fifa’s ordinary coaching windows leading into the Games.
And he sought to downplay speculation about his own future with the team. “The contract ends after the tournament and everyone knows that,” Gustavsson said.
“It’s just making sure that I embrace every single moment with this team because it’s such a privilege, and we have some players that have announced their retirement and we know that’s their last tournament as well. So for me and the players, it’s more making sure that we embrace every single moment of it.”
Source: theguardian.com
