Was the Matildas performance against Mexico as convincing as it needed to be heading into Paris?

The Matildas pulled off a 2-0 win over Mexico but can Matildas’ coach Tony Gustavsson find the right balance and mix of players in time for the Paris Olympics.

Australia's defender #20 Kaitlyn Torpey fouls Mexico's forward #20 Scarlett Camberos during the MexTour 2024 Women's International Friendly football match between Australia and Mexico at the Toyota Field Stadium in San Antonio, Texas, April 9, 2024. (Photo by SERGIO FLORES / AFP)

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was gushing after his team’s 2-0 win over Mexico and their ability to withstand the pressure but will the Aussie women be able to replicate it against more clinical sides at the Olympics.

Gustavsson said it was a challenge but one the Matildas had to learn to deal with.

“We know Germany flying at us with pressing and the US is going to come flying at us with pressing … we really wanted to test our limits,” Gustavsson said.

While critical of the team’s first 30 minutes he said the Matildas found their rhythm in the second half.

“We went out in the second half much more aggressive, which is what we want to see the Matildas be, we were much too passive in our attacking in the first half,” he said.

Gustavsson said the match had been all about preparing for the Olympics – he tried a range of different setups and tactical decisions.

As Gustavsson said – some worked and some didn’t.

While it is all well and good for Gustavsson to be happy with his team’s efforts against Mexico but the scoreboard doesn’t reflect how much trouble the Matildas were in at some points in the game.

How will the Matildas cope with their injury crisis. Picture: AFP

Matildas keeper Mackenzie Arnold was put under far more pressure than her Mexican counterpart.

Mexico had no trouble creating chances; they just lacked the players and skill to finish their chances.

Australia won’t have that luxury at the Olympics. USA and Germany won’t let chances go begging – if they get a shot they will score.

Yes the Matildas put on a solid performance and Kaitlyn Torpey, Mary Fowler, Haley Raso and Caitlin Foord were standouts.

But if the Matildas want to stand on the podium at the Olympics they still have work to do before July.

Katrina Gorry is racing the clock to recover from ankle surgery in time for the Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

GORRY IS KEY

First Emily van Egmond tried, then Mary Fowler – but both proved filling the boots of injured midfield maestro Katrina Gorry is no easy task.

Sure van Egmond and Fowler had an impact on the game but neither had the fiery nature of Gorry.

The 31-year-old dictates and controls the game when she is on the field. She is a workhorse – no job too big or small for her. Gorry never backs down from a challenge and is always the first to fight to win back the ball in the midfield.

With a high pressing side like Mexico winning the ball back in the midfield can prove the difference and it was something Gorry and Fowler didn’t really strive to do.

They just play a different style and if Gorry can’t recover in time for Paris Tony Gustavsson is going to struggle to find the missing piece of the puzzle.

How will the Matildas go in Paris? Picture: AFP

MIND MADE UP

Gustavsson’s decision to test his favoured players against Mexico and leave his less experienced members on the bench hints that the coach might be closer to locking in his 18-woman squad than he lets on.

Going into the match against Mexico Gustavsson said he planned to experiment but instead selected the tried and tested players.

It seems that Kaitlyn Torpey – who has just three national games to her name – has found her way into the squad with another start and lengthy stint on the field. She played well too – giving TG no reason to doubt his decision.

Re-called striker Michelle Heyman didn’t quite bring the enthusiasm and energy fans witnessed on her last few outings in the green and gold but the Mexican defensive set up made that hard.

The fact TG let her have such a long outing on the field proves he is fairly happy with her efforts and performance.

Emily van Egmond, who at times looked lost in the midfield, also seems to have locked in a spot.

Clare Wheeler and Cortnee Vine were given a small chance to prove what they could do – hinting that Gustavsson does still have his eyes on them. Both were quick to insert themself into the game – sending a message to TG that they both want to be at the Olympics.

With van Egmond a favourite and Gorry to return – Wheeler’s chances will be slimmer than Vine’s.

Charli Grant was given just 10 minutes on the field – not really enough time to create anything special.

Despite their domestic form Tameka Yallop and Amy Sayer have a right to question if they will get a ticket to Paris after being looked over for a spot on the field.

With just two games against China left to be played before the Olympics it seems unlikely Gustavsson is set to make any drastic changes.

The Matildas will face Zambia in the group stages. Picture: Getty Images

POOL LOCKED IN

Matildas final opponent in their Olympics pool has been locked in with Zambia defeating Morocco on aggregate and locking in their spot in Group B with USA and Germany.

Zambia are ranked 65th in the world – but as Nigeria showed at the World Cup last year – there is no easy team at these tournaments.

There are plenty of talented players in the Zambian team including Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji, Grace Chanda and Lushomo Mweemba. Both Banda and Kundananji are honing their skills in the NWSL.

Originally published as Was the Matildas performance against Mexico as convincing as it needed to be heading into Paris?