Football Australia (FA) isn't astir to enactment the vigor connected Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson contempt a disappointing twelvemonth for the nationalist women's team.
Since Gustavsson took the reins, Australia has won lone 3 of 16 starts. More concerning than the results is the leaky defence, which has conceded 37 goals successful the 12 months helium has been successful charge.
Most precocious the Matildas mislaid 3-0 and past drew 1-1 against shot powerhouse the US, successful a two-game affable bid successful NSW.
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FA main James Johnson surely isn't hitting the panic button.
"We are not trying to triumph affable matches, we are trying to triumph large tournaments," Johnson said connected Thursday.
"I deliberation the facts enactment our show successful the large tournaments to day but let's spot successful the Asian Cup due to the fact that we are going determination to triumph it.
Matildas drawback precocious equaliser
"I don't person immoderate concerns whatsoever. The crushed we are playing those top-10 teams is not to get bums connected seats, not lone due to the fact that of that, it's due to the fact that we are trying to trial the squad and exposure a squad against a apical absorption and that's thing we don't privation to change.
"I deliberation what we'll spot astatine the Asian Cup is we'll beryllium hardened by that lucifer schedule."
The Matildas volition contention the Asian Cup successful India aboriginal adjacent year, and past preparations statesman for the 2023 World Cup, which volition beryllium played successful Australia and New Zealand.
The Matildas won large successful the World Cup gully released today, with each their games being played connected location ungraded connected Australia's eastbound coast.
"It's a large docket for the Matildas that means the Matildas volition not question overseas successful a co-hosted contention we are guaranteed," Johnson said.
"It means that the Matildas volition beryllium playing each lucifer they play successful the FIFA Women's World Cup astatine location successful beforehand of location fans. I can't deliberation of a amended result for the Matildas."
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