Matildas v South Korea: Aussies are marked team and need to adapt to ultra-defensive tactics of rivals

LET’S call this a minor setback. Hopefully this Matildas draw won’t be looked upon as anything more than a blip in a world-class tournament where the best performances are saved until last — preferably the final.

The Matildas have everything to play for now after their opening draw.

THE Matildas are one of the world’s most respected sides and South Korea paid them the ultimate compliment by parking the bus in front of goal on Sunday morning (EST).

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A goalless draw in the Matildas opening AFC Asian Cup clash at the King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman isn’t such a bad result to start the campaign.

Despite the drab faces of some of the Australians after the final whistle the tournament favourites can hold their head high knowing that this old school football defensive tactic will be the norm for those who fear that keeping the game open will result in a hiding.

And Matildas boss Alen Stajcic had every right to smirk when a non-Australian journalist — who obviously doesn’t understand the attacking mentality he has brought to this side since taking the join four years ago — asked him if a draw was a happy ending to a static 90 minutes.

Emily Van Egmond searches for a way through the South Korean defence.

It’s not Stajcic’s way, nor is it the Matildas way, but the Australians must be better as the tournament takes hold from round two.

The Matildas must move the ball faster and perhaps become even more physical when taking on Vietnam on Wednesday morning (EST).

Vietnam is already hurting from a 4-0 loss to Japan, a result which flattered them, and will probably again deploy a game plan which is certain to frustrate the Matildas.

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Success does breed success and after winning rave reviews over the past 12 months and finally ridding a hex — when Australians beat three-time FIFA World Cup champion the US last year — the Matildas are now classed as world beaters.

Teams now will do everything in their power to cut them down to size.

Chances will now become fewer and far between especially from the better sides like South Korea that are tactically very sound and able to keep space at a premium and use all the tricks in the book to stall the ball going forward.

That’s where the Matildas must improve when the chances do come their way — a near miss or poor decision making when the opportunity presents itself and they do have habits of creating them — must be put away.

Chloe Logarzo tries to cut short a rare South Korean attack.

When goals are scored — especially early in matches — they become so much different as opposition sides have no choice other than ditch the defensive mindset and have a true crack at the Australians, which is what Stajcic and his squad would love.

If Australia is truly a very strong team tailor-made for tournaments this minor setback, a draw with no goals conceded won’t be looked upon as anything more than a blip in a world-class tournament where the best performances are saved until last — preferably the final.

Originally published as Matildas v South Korea: Aussies are marked team and need to adapt to ultra-defensive tactics of rivals