Despite Matildas’ magnificent win over Brazil, defence still an issue

If the Matildas players and/or coach Ante Milicic have created a siege mentality, then long may it continue. However critique of their performances is part of elite-level football.

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Thank heaven for football and thank heaven for the Matildas.

After all the angst and debate created by that loss to Italy, we can talk about an Australian team that shows it will never give up.

The Matildas found limitless reserves of their greatest quality, their sheer, bloody-minded resilience, in putting Brazil to the sword. Any win in the circumstances they were in would have been special; to do it from two goals down was simply magnificent.

It’s important, though, that the Matildas understand that what they saw as negativity beforehand was actually the asking of legitimate questions of a team forced to change coach months before the World Cup, and take on a whole new style, with faltering results. That’s not mindless criticism, it’s how teams develop.

Matildas striker Caitlin Foord celebrates scoring against Brazil. Picture: AFP

Elite-level football demands an elite-level critique of the players, the tactics, the attitude. Sometimes footballers have so much belief in themselves they can.t understand why others don’t too, but facing such analysis – even negativity - is all part of the rich tapestry of a team rising in profile.

We saw the reaction to that when Sam Kerr told the critics to “suck on that” straight after beating Brazil – the choice of words might have been less than perfect, but I don’t mind the sentiment behind them. The truth is there are no haters and the Matildas are one of our most-loved national teams.

But if the players and/or Ante Milicic have created a siege mentality, then long may it continue. History is full of teams who have built success from an “us and them” mentality, and if the Matildas punch on in some kind of bubble, more power to them.

Matilidas players celebrate their win over Brazil in Montpellier. Picture: AP

Nonetheless, Milicic of all people will know that the result masked several key factors that need addressing. Most of all is the need to avoid giving away a two-goal head start, and Milicic will be focused on the issues that have contributed to the concession of 12 goals in four games.

Some can be addressed, like Ellie Carpenter getting caught out of position for Brazil’s second goal, but others – like the injury to Clare Polkinghorne – can only be papered over. The way Steph Catley was outjumped for that goal is concerning, but there may be no other choice.

Still, I expect us to get past Jamaica and so qualify from the group – but remember that was always the minimum expectation. Momentum builds from that point, and it’s very often the teams that start slowly who go on to be successful in big tournaments.

Can our girls do that? How they play against Jamaica will be a big pointer, and which Aussie team turns up: the flustered side that lost to Italy or the group of heroines who downed one of the world’s best teams to keep their dream alive.

Originally published as Despite Matildas’ magnificent win over Brazil, defence still an issue