Big test for Tillies stars as Montemurro begins World Cup auditions
Joe Montemurro has nine months to work out how to keep the Matildas in the race for the World Cup. Australia’s upcoming friendly opponents will be the key for him to work out who is up for the challenge of taking on the world’s best.
Football’s pinnacle tournament is set to be hosted in the sport’s spiritual home – Brazil – next year, with Australia wasting no time locking in three fierce competitors to get a taste of the talent that will go far in the tournament.
Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr are back in national team colours this week. Getty Images
Australia’s first challenge will be world No.3 Germany before facing Haiti, ranked 47th. Colombia, world No.20, will be their opposition in the next window.
All three nations pose entirely different threats: Germany are on the hunt to rectify the mistakes of the last World Cup, where they shockingly bowed out in the group stage. Haiti are set on a dynamic attacking formation, while Colombia are known for their aggressive and direct attack.
The Matildas are still perfecting coach Joe Montemurro’s proactive playing style as well as integrating the next generation of stars that will lead the team forward.
Montemurro has spent a little over a year with the playing group since taking on the top job, sticking strong to a core group of talent in each team selection.
But this window he has called on three debutants – Tori Tumeth, Hana Lowry and Courtney Newbon – in the absence of key stars like Mary Fowler and Katrina Gorry.
Montemurro knows that in their absence the young stars will have a chance to shine, but there is no doubting that their absence against such strong opponents will expose the key areas the Australian manager has to work on.
And, speaking to the media, the 57-year-old did not shy away from that.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to see whether the work we’re doing is going to be consistent,” he told reporters when he announced the squad.
Even in their absence of team veterans, Montemurro and his players are not underestimating their strength, nor the power of their upcoming rivals.
Hayley Raso warned that the challenge of facing an opponent with as much hunger as Germany under coach Christian Wück should not be underestimated.
“The Germans are strong, they’re fit, they can run,” she told reporters when asked about her upcoming opponents. “And they play good football here in Europe.”
“Every game we go into, we have confidence, we trust ourselves, and we trust our ability to do what we know how to do,” she added.
“I think that’s important – but we also have to respect the opponent. We know they’re going to be a tough game.”
Joe Montemurro looks on during the international friendly match between the Matildas and Slovenia. Paul Kane via Getty Images
Charli Grant had a similar view to Raso on the upcoming matches, admitting the challenges will help the team gauge their potential for the World Cup.
“It’s so important to play against these teams to test where we are as a team, and see what we need to improve on going into the World Cup,” Grant, who featured in the 2023 World Cup team said.
“A team like Germany, they’re top-level. It’s really important to see where we are and challenge ourselves. We just use each camp to develop our tactics, our plans ... we’ll just continue to do that.”
The Matildas went on a joyous run at the 2023 World Cup, finishing fourth, but they have had a slight dip in form and results since.
Montemurro only has limited time left – four international camps – to rectify the issues and create new tactics before he submits the World Cup squad list.
But Raso is certain she and her Matildas teammates will thrive under the pressure to impress the coach and make Australia proud.
“Being in the national team, it’s a competitive environment. That’s what it’s like to be at the elite level,” she continued.
“But it’s also like that at our clubs, week in, week out. You’re always competing. You’re wanting to get a spot on the starting team in the squad each week, and it’s the same here. It’s just naturally a competitive environment.
“Everyone’s competing against each other, but we’re also working towards the same goal ... for us (it’s) the World Cup.”
The first of the final World Cup auditions will begin on Saturday when Australia takes on Germany at 5.30am AEST, before backing up to take on Haiti in France on Wednesday, October 14 at 6am.
