Football Australia has to ask the tough questions after World Cup exit – ESPN

Football Australia faces an unenviable reckoning after the Matildas’ World Cup exit, a tournament that promised so much but delivered only disappointment. The 2-0 loss to France in Brisbane exposed deep structural flaws that cannot be papered over with sentiment or silverware. With the dust settling on a campaign that underperformed expectations, the governing body must confront hard truths about preparation, investment, and long-term strategy. The Matildas’ performance was not merely a tactical misstep; it was a systemic failure that demands urgent answers.

Where the Matildas fell short

The Matildas’ campaign ended in the Round of 16, a stage they had never reached in a World Cup before 2023. Yet their exit to France—despite controlling possession in patches—highlighted a persistent inability to convert pressure into goals. The defeat was not just about the scoreline; it was about the absence of clinical finishing in key moments. Against a French side that absorbed pressure before striking on the counter, Australia’s forwards struggled to create clear-cut chances. The midfield, once a source of creativity, looked disjointed under pressure, unable to transition from defence to attack with the required intensity. France’s first goal, a 70th-minute strike from Wendie Renard after a swift counter, exposed Australia’s vulnerability when stretched. The Matildas’ high defensive line, designed to compress play, left too much space behind the defence—space that opponents exploited with precision. This was not a one-off error but a pattern that had been evident throughout the tournament.

The defensive frailties that had been masked in earlier matches resurfaced against France. While the backline showed resilience in the group stage, the World Cup’s intensity exposed their limitations. France’s second goal, a clinical finish by Kadidiatou Diani in the 81st minute, underscored Australia’s inability to maintain defensive shape under sustained pressure. The Matildas’ pressing triggers were inconsistent, allowing France to bypass midfield pressure with direct passes into dangerous areas. Even when Australia won the ball back, their transition play lacked the urgency required to threaten a French defence that had absorbed relentless pressure for long periods.

Why this matters now

The World Cup exit comes at a critical juncture for Australian football. The Matildas’ progress to the knockout stages in 2023 had raised expectations, but the reality of their performance suggests that progress has been superficial. The gap between Australia and the world’s elite remains as wide as ever. While other nations invest heavily in youth development, technical staff, and competitive domestic leagues, Australia’s approach has lacked the same urgency. The Matildas’ World Cup campaign revealed that talent alone is not enough; without a robust system to nurture and refine it, even the brightest prospects will struggle on the global stage.

Football Australia’s leadership must now answer why a team that has produced world-class players like Sam Kerr and Hayley Raso still lags behind the top nations in tournament performance. The federation’s investment in the Matildas’ program has increased—from $4.5 million in 2019 to $11 million in 2023—but the results do not reflect the financial commitment. The question is not whether Australia can compete at the highest level—it’s whether the current structures are fit for purpose. The federation must examine whether the coaching staff, tactical approach, and player development pathways are aligned with the demands of modern international football. The Matildas’ inability to adapt mid-game against France, particularly in defensive transitions, suggests a lack of tactical flexibility that elite teams exploit.

The path forward

Reform cannot wait. Football Australia must act decisively to address the Matildas’ deficiencies, starting with a clear-eyed assessment of their World Cup campaign. The federation should commission an independent review of the team’s preparation, tactical setup, and player development, with a focus on identifying why Australia’s strengths were neutralised by superior opponents. This review must be transparent, with findings made public to ensure accountability. The review should include input from players, coaches, and analysts who were part of the campaign, ensuring no perspective is overlooked.

The next World Cup is four years away, but the work to bridge the gap must begin immediately. Australia’s domestic league, the A-League Women, remains under-resourced compared to Europe’s top competitions. Strengthening the league—through increased investment, better facilities, and higher standards—will provide the Matildas with a stronger foundation. The A-League Women’s average attendance of 1,200 per match in 2022-23 pales in comparison to England’s Women’s Super League, which averaged 10,000. The disparity in resources extends to coaching staff, where elite European clubs employ full-time technical directors and performance analysts that many Australian clubs lack. Additionally, the federation should explore partnerships with elite European clubs to offer young players pathways to top-level football, ensuring they gain the experience needed to compete at the World Cup. Partnerships with clubs like Barcelona Femení or Lyon could provide structured development opportunities that are currently missing.

Tactically, the Matildas need a system that balances their attacking flair with defensive solidity. The high defensive line that served them well in the group stage became a liability against France, and the team must adapt to the demands of knockout football. A more pragmatic approach, with a deeper midfield and greater defensive cover, could mitigate the risks of being exposed on the counter. The Matildas’ reliance on wingers like Hayley Raso to provide width and creativity left them vulnerable when France targeted central spaces. A shift to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with a double pivot in midfield, could provide the necessary balance between attack and defence. The Matildas’ next head coach must prioritise tactical adaptability, ensuring the team can adjust formations and pressing triggers based on the opponent.

Ultimately, the Matildas’ World Cup exit is a wake-up call. Football Australia cannot afford to treat this as a temporary setback. The federation must confront the hard truths about its investment, strategy, and ambition. The Matildas have the talent to compete at the highest level, but talent alone will not win World Cups. It’s time for decisive action—before the next tournament arrives.