Fans stunned by Kyah Simon gamble after massive backfire against Nigeria

A selection gamble has blown up in Tony Gustavsson’s face - forcing the Matildas to make a bizarre move in Thursday’s loss to Nigeria.

One decision Matildas fans absolutely hate

Tony Gustavsson’s words are coming back to haunt him.

Days before the Matildas’ shock 3-2 loss to Nigeria, the Swedish manager was asked if he regretted selected the injured Kyah Simon in his 23-strong World Cup squad.

The Matildas coach said his selection gamble on the 32-year-old striker, who was unlikely to ever be able to be play until the knockout stages due to an ACL injury, was largely due to her value off the field

“Definitely not (regretting it), Kyah was selected for a reason, the way she contributes to the team with her experience and her personality, off the field, in the locker room and the spirit she gives,” Gustavssson told Optus Sport.

“Her being a gamechanger, we said that from the beginning, we selected her knowing she might not have many minutes but if she can be ready for the playoffs, to come off the bench for a couple of minutes.

“She’s experienced with taking PK’s (penalty kicks) as well which is a massive part of it as well.

“I understand and totally respect there will be speculation now because we have three-four attacking options not available, and then it becomes a bigger thing than it might have been in a normal circumstance, but definitely no regrets from my point (of view).”

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson faces backlash as his decision to carry injured Kyah Simon in the squad comes back to haunt the team. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The big problem now for Gustavsson is that the Matildas may never even be able to use Simon’s qualities in the knockout stages, with the Aussie side now facing a do-or-die final group stage match against Canada just to make it into the Round of 16.

After a series of unfortunate events, the Matildas are facing a crisis as injuries and concussions have left them with a limited squad, particularly in attack, which is primarily to blame for Thursday night’s World Cup loss to Nigeria.

And fans are fuming about the coach’s decision to carry Simon, instead of a fit striker who could have contributed in the early matches.

Gustavsson was defiant about the mounting injury woes leading into Thursday’s match, stating, “Sometimes you’re unlucky, and you need to deal with the cards you’re handed, and we’re ready to play those cards.”

Kyah Simon was never going to be fit for the early Matildas game. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The Matildas’ preparations for the tournament have been marred by injuries, with star player Sam Kerr nursing a calf injury that has dominated headlines.

However, hopes were high as they had a capable replacement in Mary Fowler, who had been in fine form during training and started alongside Caitlin Foord in their previous match against Ireland.

But fate had different plans for the Matildas, as Fowler suffered a concussion at training that left Gustavsson baffled.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he remarked earlier this week.

With Fowler ruled before the Nigeria match, the team was left in a precarious position up front.

Mary Fowler was ruled out for Thursday night’s match against Nigeria. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Fans were quick to call out the baffling Simon selection as the Matildas forced to field defender Alanna Kennedy as a striker in the late stages of Thursday night’s loss to Nigeria.

“This game is an example of Tony G’s failure of imagination. Carrying Kyah Simon into this squad and not having a contingency plan is another mark against him,” one wrote.

“We need to know why an injured Kyah Simon is in this squad. We needed a fit striker to come on in the group for this scenario. Brings on a defender,” said another.

“Why has Kyah Simon been called up if she’s not fit enough to play? Anyways, this was not the only issue for Australia today,” another added.

The Matildas’ fate now relies on a crucial must-win match against Canada in the World Cup. Picture Lachie Millard

“No urgency. No intent. Kyah Simon decision looks even worse now,” another fan tweeted.

Despite the mounting pressure and speculation, Gustavsson remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding Fowler’s injury and that of veteran defender Aivi Luik.

Both players were subject to Football Australia’s concussion protocols, rendering them unavailable for the upcoming match.

“I totally understand that if you didn’t see the training, if I were you sitting out there, I would go, ‘What the heck is happening in trainings? Two concussions in one training and two players out of the game,’” Gustavsson commented, further adding to the air of mystery surrounding the incident.

The Matildas’ fate in the World Cup now hinges on a must-win match against Canada next Monday night in Melbourne.