Robbie Slater says it is time the Matildas forgot the off-field hype and concentrate on playing football at the Paris Olympic Games

A pedestrian performance against Germany leaves Socceroos’ great Robbie Slater questioning how well prepared the Matildas were leading into the Paris Olympics.

Robbie Slater delves into the Matildas’ embarrassing opening loss to Germany at the Paris Olympics. Picture: Christophe Simon / AFP

Here’s an idea ­– how about the Matildas concentrate on playing football and forget about the off-field hype.

If they don’t, their dream of securing an Olympic Games medal will become a nightmare.

Not all is lost for the Matildas, but there’s not much more room for error after their pedestrian performance in their 3-0 loss to Germany.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was spot on after the match when he said his team wasn’t ready.

But, how could they not be ready?

They had a lengthy preparation camp in the Spanish resort city of Marbella where their every need was catered for, even to the ridiculous point of having their training gear correctly folded, according to team manager Gina Rees.

The support staff was increased to the extent that there was virtually one staff member assigned to each player.

Every possible `I’ was dotted, every possible `T’ was crossed ­­– nothing was left unturned.

Or so it seemed.

Germany’s Jule Brand celebrates scoring her team's third goal against the Matildas. Picture: Christophe Simon / AFP

If the Matildas weren’t ready, why didn’t they play a second warm-up game against New Zealand, as was originally planned, and not just the one match against Canada?

On the basis of the performance against Germany, it’s a question that needs to be answered.

What also needs to be asked is why was Rees giving an interview so close to the game? Apart from players, the only person that should be making public comments about the team a day or two before the match is the coach.

If the Matildas have gotten ahead of themselves, Football Australia needs to take some of the blame for its handling of matters.

For FA chief executive officer James Johnson to say that regardless of the Matildas’ performance at the Olympics, “they’re defined by the legacy that they’ve already created” was alarming.

James Johnson’s remarks before the Matildas headed to Paris were alarming. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

It’s no wonder the team seems to have a complacent attitude when Johnson suggests it doesn’t matter how the team performs at the Paris Games.

Johnson has made no secret of taking full advantage of the Matildas brand so FA can make as much money as possible from the team’s current popularity.

However, what FA needs to realise is that while it’s all well and good talking about ‘’legacy” and “brand”, the best way to build “legacy” and “brand” is by winning.

There are some obvious things that the team can fix up ahead of what’s now a make or break game against Zambia on Monday morning (AEST).

Their defending on set pieces was awful against the Germans, while their zonal marking tactic was also exposed.

Rather than sit in a low block, the Matildas need to press and take the game to Zambia.

Mary Fowler also needs to have more of an impact. She too often looked lost against Germany.

Mary Fowler looked lost against the Germans. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

The team needs to get the ball to her more. In the absence of Sam Kerr, Fowler must dominate if they are to have any chance of finishing on the podium.

There is still time for the Matildas to recover, and the nature of the tournament format is that a third-place finish in the group might be enough for a quarter-final berth.

However, unless they improve their attitude, they might as well pack their bags and go home now.