Do Matildas have enough time to learn new coach Joe Montemurro’s game plan before Asian Cup?

The Asian Cup is fast approaching, so do the Matildas have the chance to learn new coach Joe Montemurro’s game plan? Erin Smith unpacks Montemurro’s tactics on debut.

Matildas have their first win of the Joe Montemurro era, defeating Slovenia 3-0, it wasn’t a perfect performance but it did offer a glimpse into what the new coach is looking to create.

A possession based attacking football side.

But the question is – does he have enough time to get the players painting the whole picture before the Asian Cup kicks off in March?

The scoreline doesn’t quite capture the essence of the game. Matildas scored first in the third minute when Emily Gielnik got her foot on a ball after it had pinballed around the box following a corner.

Holly McNamara celebrates a goal against Slovenia in Perth. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images.

Matildas’ second goal, off the head of Holly McNamara, didn’t come until the 86th minute, and Hayley Raso’s followed a minute later.

With a sparse crowd Montemurro’s cries of “keep the ball” echoed throughout HBF Park most of the night.

And the Matildas certainly heeded the message – sometimes to their detriment – with players hesitating or looking unsure about what to do when opportunities were created.

Like McNamara who on multiple occasions opted to look for a pass rather than confidently take a shot like fans have seen her do many times in the A-League's.

The Melbourne City star did finish the night with a goal, her first in the green and gold, with a stunning header.

Holly McNamara is on the spot to head home her first senior international goal 🥳

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— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) June 26, 2025

Stutters, hiccups and errors were always to be expected.

Some players like Kyra Cooney-Cross, who didn’t feature in the match, only arrived in camp on Tuesday.

Montemurro has had just three training sessions, a total of three hours, with the squad leading into the game.

That is not enough time to implement a whole new style of play in a squad missing a growing number of key players such as Sharn Freier, Clare Wheeler, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Katrina Gorry, Cortnee Vine, Sam Kerr, Tameka Yallop and Mary Fowler.

CommBank Matildas go back-to-back as Hayley Raso wraps up the tie just seconds after McNamara's goal!

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— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) June 26, 2025

The message of “keep the ball” had clearly sunk in. Matildas had the majority of the ball – finishing with 59 per cent possession.

Montemurro said the match was a good test with Slovenia’s player on player defensive set up forcing the Matildas to work hard.

“It gives us a benchmark,” he said post match to Paramount.

“I asked the players to take a bit more risk and be a bit brace which was a little bit of our downfall at times.

“At times we were technically poor but all in all it set a really good benchmark.”

Montemurro said he had planted the seeds for some big changes over coming months and they needed time to grow.

“There was a sprinkling of good things and lots of stuff we can work on,” he said.

Ellie Carpenter was back in green and gold. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images.

Matildas captain Ellie Carpenter, who missed the last window to get married, has spent the past year working with Montemurro at Lyon.

“I’m happy to have Joe in here, you could see the style he wants to play, there is still a lot of work to do but the foundations were set tonight,” Carpenter said.

“When a new coach comes in everyone wants to impress, maybe a bit nervous as well and a whole new style of play. We’ve been together for three days and we can be proud of what we’ve done in that short amount of time.”

KEEP THE BALL

When it comes to winning a football game there is a big difference between holding the ball and using the ball.

It is all well and good to have the ball more than your opponent but you need to do something with it.

And equally when you don’t have the ball you need to be actively working to win it back – Slovenia’s 20 shots on goal – proof that didn’t quite happen in Perth.

Montemurro is known for his attacking style of play.

We saw snippets of it against Slovenia.

Australian coach Joe Montemurro on the sidelines. Picture: Colin Murty/AFP.

There were daring runs up the wing from Ellie Carpenter, pointed attacks from Amy Sayer and Holly McNamara’s ability to speed through the lines was on show.

But there were far too many moments when the Matildas sat back with the ball, were forced to go backwards by Slovenia, turned the ball over and lacked the composure to finish chances.

A major issue was the midfield.

It could be put down to the slight formation change but more likely due to the lack of Cooney-Cross and Wheeler who have become key to linking the Matildas defensive line with the front line.

The defensive line up started strong, particularly Clare Hunt, but there were some clear communication errors in the second half. Players were perhaps confused about what each person’s job was in the new system.

It led to Slovenia outshooting the Matildas in the second half and it was mostly due to luck that none of their 20 shots found the net.

Emily Gielnik in action against Slovenia. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

A new coach always means a clean slate and a chance for fringe players to claw their way back into the squad.

Emily Gielnik was pushed out of the squad under Tony Gustavsson and has made it clear she wasn’t ready to give up on playing for Australia just yet. The Melbourne Victory striker had a solid domestic season despite some injury concerns.

But she certainly looked the part walking out with the Matildas. The 33-year-old scored the Matildas opening goal, just three minutes in. It was a scrappy one, picking up a loose ball after it had pinballed around the box following a corner.

It shouldn’t have been her only goal of the night. Gielnik had several clear chances to double her tally but just didn’t have the composure to find the net. If Sam Kerr makes her expected return in time for the Asian Cup – it could well come down to a fight between Michelle Heyman and Gielnik.

If Gielnik wants to stand a chance she needs to prove she can score consistently on the international stage.

Michelle Heyman’s spot could be under threat when Sam Kerr returns. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images.

CROWD ISSUES

There were almost more empty seats than occupied ones at HBF Park with just 8,678 fans in the stands.

Vacant seats is not a sight associated with the Matildas who had a 15-game sell out streak on the back of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Matildas are set to play four matches this window in Western Australia, three of them in Perth which could contribute to the skinny crowd.

The fact it was a weeknight can hardly be used as an excuse given the Matildas vs. Argentina game in Canberra on a Monday night was a sell out.

Perth is set to play a big role come the Asian Cup – it will play host to the Opening Ceremony and most likely the Matildas first game of the tournament.