Two wins and a draw at the Tournament of Nations have given rise to cautious excitement heading into a World Cup year

It didn’t end in silverware for the Matildas this time, but nevertheless the past two weeks have provided an opportunity to showcase the tremendous talent this Australian team boasts. Alen Stajcic’s side went undefeated throughout the Tournament of Nations – victorious against Japan and Brazil and earning a draw against the USA – and validated why they’re one of Australia’s most successful and esteemed teams.



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They may not have retained their crown, but over the course of three games in the United States their performances served to cement their status as one of, if not the, team to watch at next year’s World Cup in France. The clear aim now is to improve on their run to the quarter-finals at the last edition in Canada – and maybe go on and win the whole thing.

“We’re as good as we want to be,” said Sam Kerr, who added another couple of goals to her burgeoning international tally during the tournament. “There are no real boundaries at the moment.”

Underdogs no more, the Matildas’ change in status over the past 12 months also requires a change in their mindset. “This is the new challenge,” added Kerr. “We went in as favourites for the Asian Cup as well … we’re trying to keep our heads really level and it’s nice to have that respect.”

Stajcic finds himself in an enviable situation. His is a team in tremendous form, one which boasts one of the most lethal strikers in the world in Kerr and one which is gelling nicely. Confidence is sky high, arguably just at the right time heading into a World Cup year. Yet there is still work to be done before travelling to France in June.

With an experienced spine to the team that has played together for a number of years – Lydia Williams the rock in goal, centre-back Claire Polkinghorne, Elise Kellond-Knight in midfield, and the wily Lisa De Vanna still a starting option further upfield – it appears to be a settled team, and one which clearly enjoys playing together.

Yet in some ways, the team is still evolving and a number of new players, including the 15-year-old Mary Fowler, will be hoping to do enough over the coming months to impress Stajcic and stake a claim for a place on the plane to Europe. It’s a scary thought that there are players of her quality coming through the ranks. And let’s not forget Kerr is still just 24.

There was little to fault during the Matildas’ trip to the US, but if there was a bone to be picked it could be the decision to sit back and try to defend their lead against the host nation. In doing so, they invited wave after wave of attack and ultimately it cost them. When Lindsey Horan did eventually equalise, it almost came as little surprise. Lessons will hopefully have been learned.

And while they were victorious over Japan on Friday – an even sweeter win given their defeat in the Asian Cup final – the team struggled in the opening moments and took time to find their rhythm. It was only a moment of magic from Kerr with 10 minutes remaining that gave the scoreline a more comfortable feel.

But the slow start in Illinois could possibly be put down to tiredness, with the Matildas having undertaken a rigorous schedule in the lead-up to the Tournament of Nations, which included their Asian Cup tilt in April. At least aching limbs can be fixed with a well-deserved break. “We have a few priorities before France” Kerr said. “And one of them is to get a break and a rest.”

Unbeaten against the US in two games, revenge served to Japan, and yet another victory registered over world No 7 Brazil, Australia leave the US as genuine World Cup contenders. Greater tests await, and the European heavyweights of Germany, France and England will be sure to have a say in the destination of the trophy next July, but for now Stajic must be happy with the progress his team is making.

“To be in the mix really talks to where this team is at – how they’re respected in world football,” he said. That respect runs deep – both in opposition sides and also back in Australia, where the Matildas are undeniably one of the nation’s most popular teams. Talented and representative of a modern Australia, they display a grit, determination and joy for the game which is difficult not to admire.

“We’re right there with the best in the world but there’s still a bit to go,” Kerr said. “But we have 12 months to prepare, so we’re excited.”



