There was a lot to enjoy about the Young Matildas World Cup adventure, and plenty to he encouraged by. Kick360 reflects on the lessons learned from Costa Rica 2022.
This was all upside for Leah Blayney and her players. Australia had been granted entry following the withdrawal from international football of North Korea. This was an opportunity for Australia’s best young players to improve, and for some to stake a claim for positions on A-League Women rosters, or even senior Matildas spots.
Although they were eliminated before the knockout stage, there was much to be gained from this tournament. Australian fans were hopeful and only the harshest critics would have been disappointed.
The Young Matildas were competitive in each game
There is no such thing as an easy opponent an international level. However, Australian sides seem to always draw the most difficult groups. On this occasion, the Young Matildas were faced with the host side Costa Rica and their 22,000 strong crowd, the South American champions Brazil and the reigning Euro winners, Spain.
These were three very different challenges, and when the tournament is viewed as a whole, Australia performed admirably.
A 3-1 win over the hosts Costa Rica gave Australia a perfect start to the tournament. They played with confidence, flair and purpose. Sheridan Gallagher showed why she was trusted to captain the side with a match winning performance, and Sarah Hunter displayed nerves of steel to drill a vital penalty and level the scores.
The game against Brazil was much more difficult. In torrential rain and against a highly skilled, extremely athletic, and supremely organized opponent, Australia could not get their game going. The Brazil Under 20’s side were excellent in one-on-one situations and defended as a complete unit. The Brazilians looked like a better drilled version of the senior side and were relentless in all areas of the pitch.
Australia rebounded in their next game. Although they were defeated by Spain, they played some of their best football against a highly fancied opponent. The Young Matildas attacked with purpose and knocked the ball around in a very watchable display of one-touch football.
Leah Blayney’s side were comfortable playing the ball out from the back. Up front, Bryleeh Henry and Charlize Rule were both excellent in pressuring the Spanish defenders.
Australia left the tournament earlier than they wanted to, but they enhanced their reputations as individual players, and Australia’s as a football nation.
Blayney had less than six months to prepare for this World Cup. Prior to that, due to the pandemic, coaching and communication with players and prospects was done by zoom. In that short space of time, a team was assembled, and a game plan implemented.
When the time came, they were able to compete with some of the best sides in the world and deliver a win on a huge occasion.
As individuals, and as a team they impressed
Australia did not struggle to attack, but finding the net was slightly harder. Of the three goal scorers in the tournament, only Bryleeh Henry earns her living as a striker.
This should not be cause for concern about Australia’s up and coming goal scoring options. Sheridan Gallagher was typically willing to try from distance, Daniella Galic found herself in good positions, and Abbey Lemon looked creative and dangerous on the wings.
The opportunities were there, and consistent finishing is something that comes with age and experience. It is still a rare thing to find a highly prolific teenage striker in international football. But the players Australia did have showed the right instincts and game sense, even if luck or the ball did not bounce their way.
Henry’s goal was almost perfect. Australia’s press won the ball back in the front third. Gallagher immediately was on the move and a series of one touch passes set her free. Henry had started her run from deep, the Western Sydney star at full pace was impossible to track and her tap in was a deserved reward for the effort.
Tellingly, if she had not finished it, Galic might have. The Aussies looked sharp in their movement. It was a joy to watch.
As time progresses, these players may line up with Mary Fowler, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, Amy Sayer, or Kyra Cooney-Cross. Alongside the successful Under 18’s AFF champions and the other rising stars of the A-League Women’s, there is a generation of players coming through the pathways with thrilling potential.
In defence, Naomi Chinnama showed why she is so highly regarded at Melbourne City. Her pace, passing and reading of the play was consistently impressive. She was dependable and consistent across the three games.
Ella Tonkin’s performances will be encouraging to Adelaide United fans worried about who might replace the injured Kayla Sharples in defence, and Kirsty Fenton was one of Australia’s best in the opening game.
It took a lot to beat Sally James in goal. The 19 year old keeper was commanding under high balls, and quick to athletically react to shots. She looks like a senior Matilda in waiting, as does midfield star Sarah Hunter.
Australia looked at their best when they combined with quick passes, or ran directly at defenders. The ability to form passing triangles was effective against all three opponents, even if it was only possible for a short period against Brazil.
This style of play was similar to the best Under-23 and Under-18 performances at the AFF Championships. Despite the different coaches and players, the various age groups are tactically similar. It will help players move through the ranks over time.
This tournament was an opportunity for some of Australia’s most promising players to gain crucial experience. Each of them showed that they could compete at this level. Every player will be improved by the tournament.
Performance over results
Judging the success of a youth tournament is not as simple as wins or losses. Undoubtedly, there is value in developing winning habits. However, winning the Under 20 World Cup is not an exact indicator of senior success. Brazil is five time winners at this age level, but have never lifted the trophy at senior level.
In any case, neither the player’s development, nor the national team setup would have been served by a safety-first defensive attitude.
At its most measurable, the Under 20’s (and Under 23’s) are a pathway. Only time will tell how many will become regular senior Matildas, and many players took a significant step toward that in Costa Rica. Performance and development was a far higher priority than results, and by that standard, this was a successful expedition.
Leah Blayney lead a team of attack orientated youngsters with minimal preparation time, and became the first Australian woman to win a World Cup match as a coach.
There is work to do to close to gap between Australia and the top sides, but this World Cup showed that it is not an insurmountable gulf. Our players are not afraid of the challenge, and did the nation proud.
