Australia’s women’s soccer team, the Matildas, took to the field under interim coach Tom Sermanni for the first time since their disappointing Olympic exit, securing a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Yet, the game’s pressing question remained unanswered: How can the Matildas best utilize Mary Fowler’s talent? At just 21, Fowler is one of Australia’s most promising players, yet she struggled to make an impact in Zurich, leaving Sermanni and the squad searching for solutions.
Fowler’s Untapped Potential: A Persistent Challenge for the Matildas
Fowler’s prodigious skill on display in her club play at Manchester City has yet to translate consistently into her performances with the Matildas. Saturday morning’s match was no exception as Fowler, placed up front alongside Caitlin Foord in a 5-3-2 setup, found herself disconnected from the team’s attack.
Sermanni pointed out that the Swiss defense played a part in neutralizing Fowler. The coach noted the team’s over-reliance on the left side of the pitch, which prevented Fowler from taking control of the game as he had hoped. Fowler’s ability to work within the collective is crucial, particularly with striker Sam Kerr sidelined due to injury.
- Challenges in Fowler’s Performance:
- Isolation in attack due to midfield disconnect
- Limited touches resulting from the team’s left-sided play
- Strong Swiss defense that restricted space and movement
Sermanni admitted that a significant adjustment would be needed for Fowler to shine. He plans to review the game footage to uncover ways to integrate her better, though a new full-time coach may adopt a different tactical vision altogether.
A Pragmatic Approach: Sermanni’s Interim Role and Defensive Tweaks
Brought in after Tony Gustavsson’s departure, Sermanni’s short-term task is to stabilize the Matildas, clean up defensive lapses, and prepare the team for their next permanent coach. This game marked his first opportunity to implement a conservative tactical style, and it showed in the Matildas’ improved, though still imperfect, defensive play.
In the first half, Australia took the lead against the run of play. Caitlin Foord earned and converted a penalty after a surge upfield, a crucial moment that sparked brief optimism. Yet, in the 58th minute, the Matildas failed to clear their lines during a Swiss offensive, with repeated attempts thwarted until Geraldine Reuteler’s shot found the net, leveling the score.
| Event | Minute | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foord’s Penalty Goal | 45 | Earned and converted after a run into the box |
| Reuteler’s Equalizer | 58 | Poor clearance led to Switzerland’s only goal |
| Baumann’s Late Crossbar Hit | 90 | A close call as Australia’s defense nearly cracked |
While the draw revealed the need for defensive improvement, it also underscored the lingering inconsistencies that Sermanni’s successor will have to address.
Promising Debut for Daniela Galic Signals a Glimpse of the Future
One of the game’s notable moments was the debut of 17-year-old Daniela Galic, who stepped onto the international stage with poise. Introduced for the final 13 minutes, Galic had limited opportunities to make her mark but left an impression on Sermanni and the fans. Sermanni expressed a slight regret over not bringing her on earlier, highlighting her potential as one of the Matildas’ future stars.
Galic’s debut is part of a larger theme in the current Matildas setup: an ongoing transition with new, young talent stepping into significant roles. This shift will likely continue under a new permanent head coach, who will need to integrate these players seamlessly to enhance Australia’s performance in international competitions. In a lineup still finding its balance, Galic’s presence could become pivotal in the Matildas’ development.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Challenge Against Germany on the Horizon
The Matildas’ next fixture promises to be an even tougher test. Australia is set to face Germany, a team that defeated them 3-0 in their opening match at the Olympics, and it will also serve as the retirement match for German soccer legend Alexandra Popp. Sermanni has acknowledged that his team will need to elevate their game significantly.
Germany’s aggressive style may open up new attacking opportunities for Australia, particularly if they can adjust to the faster pace and maintain possession. While the game will likely push the Matildas’ defense to its limits, Sermanni sees this as a possible advantage for his offense, potentially giving players like Fowler the space they need to create impactful plays.
