Australia’s win over world No 5 France just six days out from the Women’s World Cup was the final step in their preparation and a “night to celebrate”, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said.
After failing to convert chances in a the first half, a goal from 20-year-old Mary Fowler from a Hayley Raso pass sealed the victory even after veterans Sam Kerr, and Caitlin Foord were substituted off.
“We felt it wasn’t a 0-0 [first] half, we felt we created enough opportunities into the final third to be up one or two goals,” Gustavsson said. “But that final timed pass or run or the final touch wasn’t really there.
“[For Raso] to look up and see that Mary is open and then the quality of that pass and Mary’s finish is obviously something we’re very pleased with.
“Also I’m pleased with the players’ patience because sometimes when you miss opportunities like that in the first half, you can start to panic and start to get stressed. But I think the players stuck to the game plan.”
Foord said the forwards had some things to work on before the World Cup campaign begins in earnest.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson s greeted by fans before the match at Marvel Stadium. Photograph: James Ross/AAP
“I think it was just our last touch that can be better, and that’s something we can do leading into next week,” she said.
“Mary coming in – amazing goalscorer – so I had no doubt that she would be able to finish it, as soon as it hit her foot you knew it was going in.”
The result makes it back-to-back wins for Australia over top-five opposition, after April’s 2-0 win over England, and bodes well for the host country ahead of their first game against Ireland on 20 July.
“The stats [have] shown that we have had very much problems with top-rank teams and especially European teams,” Gustavsson said. “And tonight, I think represents the final step of that process and in that journey in preparing for the World Cup.
“Now it’s business mode. Now it’s time to focus on Ireland.
“This was good for the momentum, especially the momentum in the country. Looking at the vibe and energy in the stadium now and then thinking about adding another 30,000 – it’s going to be electric in the opening game and the players are going to love it.”
However, Australian fans have room for improvement before the Ireland game too, Foord said.
“It’s good, obviously to have that many people but I do hope going into next week and the weeks after it needs to be louder,” she said.
“We need to hear them and I do hope that ramps up going into the World Cup.”
France’s coach, Hervé Renard, said Australia deserved to win the game but quickly cautioned against reading too much into the result.
“It’s only a preparation game,” he said. “Sometimes you can [lose] the first game in the world cup and then be champion of the world. So take it easy, stay relaxed … the competition didn’t start yet.”
