Analysis: The major positives Matildas can take out of disjointed 2-1 loss to Canada

The Matildas were far from their best in their final hit-out before the Olympics, but two key players have given Tony Gustavsson plenty to be encouraged by.

The Matildas’ performance against Canada certainly won’t strike fear into Australia’s Olympic rivals or earn an A+ from coach Tony Gustavsson but there is no need to panic.

This match, which Australia lost 2-1, was missing several things the Olympics will have – firstly, a need to win.

Classed as an international ‘B’ match, it counted for nothing – no statistics, caps or goals will be officially recorded.

The Matildas thrive on pressure – take it away and the dynamic changes.

Secondly the Matildas growing injury list meant the team was far from the usual outfit – Caitlin Foord (quad tightness), Steph Catley (lower leg injury), Tameka Yallop (knock) and Kaitlyn Torpey (lower leg injury) were all left out of the playing squad mostly as a precaution.

All are expected to be fit for their opening Olympic clash with Germany in 12 days time.

Carn the Sharn! 🔥

Freier neatly slots it home to give @TheMatildas the lead in Marbella.#AUSvCAN is LIVE on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/QpqyXyGxl5

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) July 13, 2024

Every player who took the field was on managed match minutes.

It created several untested combinations – such as Clare Wheeler playing left back and Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine linking up in the front line.

Five substitutions were made at half time, teaming Clare Polkinghorne up with Clare Hunt in the centre backs, and Courtney Nevin and Charli Grant in the wing back positions.

While it was far from the slick performance fans are used to, no one failed miserably – showing the Matildas really do boast great depth.

Going into the game coach Tony Gustavsson’s goal had been to see how the Matildas handled Canada’s high press – they possibly scraped a pass mark.

It took them 20 minutes to find a way through. There were a couple of moments when it looked like the Matildas had found the weak link only to have the ball snatched off them again.

When they did manage to get through, Fowler made sure to make the most of it.

Her deft dance past the defenders and perfect pass set up Sharn Frier for the Matildas’ first goal.

A rare mistake from keeper Mackenzie Arnold let Canada back into the match just before half time.

Prince doesn't mince her chances! 👑

Nichelle capitalises on a rare Arnold fumble to equalise minutes before the break for @CANWT ⚖️

Keep up with all the action from #AUSvCAN on Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/MCYKdyylX8

— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) July 13, 2024

Even though the scores were level – Canada certainly looked the more clinical team in the first half.

The second half side had a little extra energy and slightly more ball possession but still lacked the finesse that will be needed at the Olympics.

While the Matildas certainly have plenty to fine tune before their opening Olympic game with Germany in 12 days there were a number of positives to take from their final hit out.

Firstly, their engine Katrina Gorry is back.

The key piece of the Matildas midfield at the World Cup hadn’t played a match since injuring her ankle playing for West Ham in April.

Gorry had plenty of involvement in the first half – her combination with Kyra Cooney-Cross back on display.

It wasn’t a perfect performance by any means but it was encouraging she was able to play the first 45 minutes.

Then it is hard to ignore Fowler.

She played up front alongside Vine.

It was Fowler’s deft dance around the Canadian defenders and perfect pass that set Frier up for the Matildas’ opening goal.

Fowler was solid all over the park. She had another moment of brilliance in the final minutes of the game and was unlucky to not get a goal to her name.

The fact she played all 90 minutes means she really is at her peak.

Matildas will head back into camp with plenty to work on ahead of their game with Germany on July 25.

Originally published as Analysis: The major positives Matildas can take out of disjointed 2-1 loss to Canada