Matildas beaten again as She Believes Cup campaign ends in further disappointment

The Matildas have lost a third successive match in a ‘massive wake-up call’ ahead of next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Defender Clare Hunt called for “surety” from Football Australia regarding the Matildas’ coaching position after the national women’s team slumped to yet another loss on Thursday in San Diego.

Hoping to salvage some pride from what has been a disappointing She Believes Cup campaign, the Matildas were beaten 2-1 by Colombia to finish last in the four-nation tournament with no points from three matches after previous losses to Japan (4-0) and USA (2-1).

With an AFC Women’s Asian Cup on home soil only 12 months away, Hunt said the three defeats served as a “massive wake-up call” and wanted a permanent successor to Tony Gustavsson – who departed after the Matildas’ disappointing Olympic Games campaign last year – to be announced.

Clare Hunt passes the ball during the Matildas’ 2-1 loss to Colombia. Picture: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images/AFP

Interim coach Tom Sermanni has now been in charge for the Matildas’ past nine games, with FA chief executive James Johnson on Thursday confirming the veteran mentor’s temporary tenure will extend to at least include Australia’s two-game home series against South Korea in April.

“We’re looking to have a new coach come in at some point this year, and once we’ve got that surety from FA, we’re ready to go,“ Hunt told Paramount Plus.

“This is a great building phase. Tom’s been brilliant as interim coach and just trying to give players game time, so we’re working towards (the Women’s Asian Cup), and we’re doing our best.”

However, it’s a “best” that’s not good enough, which has Sermanni feeling frustrated with his own effort and the performances of his players.

“There are some things to take away (from the She Believes Cup) but there are also some questions that need to be asked by myself as the head coach, and also by the players because ultimately as a country we’ve got to step up and start doing better at this level,” Sermanni said.

As was the case against Japan and USA, the Matildas conceded an early goal against the Colombians, who took advantage of a poor pass from midfielder Katrina Gorry to take the lead in the 15th minute through Wendy Bonilla.

Matildas star Hayley Raso reflects on Australia’s 2-1 loss to Colombia. Picture: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images via AFP

Veteran striker Michelle Heyman wasted a gilt-edged chance to equalise six minutes later.

However, the Matildas eventually got back on level terms in the 69th minute through Hayley Raso, although her shot needed a significant deflection off Colombian defender Daniela Caracas to get the better of goalkeeper Natalia Giraldo.

A frustrated Sermanni said his side “went to sleep immediately after scoring” to allow Colombia to regain the lead only four minutes later through captain Catalina Usme, whose long-distance strike deflected off Matildas substitute Natasha Prior before looping over the top of goalkeeper Teagan Micah and into the net.

“We got ourselves right back into the game, and then we’ve had a lapse again, and given up a goal, and … at this level, we can’t be that frail. We’ve got to do a lot better,” Sermanni said.

“I’ll still be here come April, still doing the job then. We need to start focusing on the next camp.”

Originally published as Matildas beaten again as She Believes Cup campaign ends in further disappointment