Matildas crash, but Philippines under Australia’s former coach Alen Stajcic

The ‘disaster’ that was Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup campaign is in contrast to the effort of ex-Matildas coach Alen Stajcic to guide the Philippines to the semi-finals.

Alen Stajcic’s Philippines team has reached the AFC Women's Asian Cup semi-finals. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant / Getty Images

As former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic basks in the glory of guiding the Philippines to the Asian Cup semi-finals, Australia’s early exit from the tournament has been described as a “disaster”.

Stajcic was controversially dumped as Matildas mentor in 2019.

“I still do not know the reason(s) why my employment was terminated, aside from (then FFA CEO Mr (David) Gallop telling me that the Matildas had a “poor culture” and I, as head coach, was responsible,” Stajcic said three years ago.

He was later issued a formal apology by Football Federation Australia for the manner of his dismissal.

Stajcic was soon after appointed coach of the Central Coast Mariners men’s team, leading them to finals football in the 2020-21 season.

Following his departure from the Mariners, Stajcic was named coach of the Philippines women’s team in October 2021.

Despite being beaten 4-0 by the Matildas last week, the Philippines progressed to the Asian Cup quarter-finals as Group B runners-up.

And while Australia crashed out of the tournament on Sunday night with a 1-0 quarter-final loss to South Korea, Stajcic’s team has reached the last four with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Chinese Taipei 4-3, after scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time.

Alen Stajcic has guided the Philippines to the AFC Women's Asian Cup semi-finals. Picture: Thananuwat Srirasant / Getty Images

Reaching the semi-finals has also secured the Philippines a spot in next year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement by the group, and a moment in history for the country; you won’t be able to take that away from the group,” Stajcic said.

“For now, every young kid back at home in the Philippines can be inspired to get to the World Cup themselves.

“The group is really proud of each other, but they’re even more proud to inspire the next generation.”

Stajcic was replaced as Matildas coach by Ante Milicic, who after resigning in July 2020, was succeeded by Tony Gustavsson.

Under Gustavsson, the Matildas have failed to live up to expectations.

A fourth-placed finish at last year’s Olympics was perhaps an exception, but their Asian Cup failure has the Sweden-born coach under pressure.

Former Socceroos great Robbie Slater said the Matildas’ quarter-final exit was a “disaster”.

“They were favourites for the competition and they’ve gone out the back door against a side they should be able to beat,” Slater said.

“This was a litmus test for the World Cup next year, so it’s a failure.”

Slater was unsure whether Gustavsson would still be Australia’s coach come the World Cup, despite his contract running until 2024.

“They’ll have to have a review of what’s going on and what’s happened. He might be the fall guy,” Slater said.