Europe’s warning to the W-League

Australia must invest more in the women’s game if the Matildas are to have a chance of keeping up with Europe.

The Matildas train in Montpellier ahead of last night’s game against Brazil. Picture: FFA

Australia must invest more in the women’s game if the Matildas are to have a chance of keeping up with Europe’s sleeping giants.

Unlike the men’s game, where many traditional powerhouses have come from the continent, the rise of European teams in the women’s game has been much slower than counterparts such as the US, Brazil and Australia.

But the supremacy stakes are starting to swing, with European nations such as France, Spain and Italy — and long-time heavyweight Germany — reflecting a new sophisticated, generation of heavyweight.

“Looking at women’s football, I have only been in it a short time, but I can really see the investment in it,” Milicic said.

“Particularly in Europe, that a lot of these countries have given to their women’s league and national teams and they are really getting better and better.”

That is already evident in France, where all European teams playing countries outside the continent have won their matches so far.

The individual skill and flair of the Australians wasn’t enough to overcome an underrated and well-drilled Italy side. Milicic felt a big factor was the spike in investment in women’s domestic leagues such as the Serie A, where all but one of Italy’s World Cup squad play.

Then take Olympique Lyonnais, which has won France’s Division 1 Féminine for the past 13 years along with the past four Women’s Champions League titles.

In Spain, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are on the way up and England outfits Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have a string of players at this World Cup.

Milicic said it sent a clear message to the W-League.

“One-hundred per cent,” he said. “I saw it with my own eyes when I went to Italy. I have seen Juventus, Fiorentina, Milan play.

“At the moment a lot of these European teams are on the way forward.”

The Daily Telegraph