Studs and duds: Every Matilda rated from the disappointing SheBelieves Cup
Australia weren’t expected to win the SheBelieves Cup - but their shallow showing suggested they are on a slippery slope down the rankings. Every Matilda rated from a disappointing tournament.
Matildas have been on a slippery slope since the Paris Olympics and appear a long way from being able to turn it around.
They have won just one match against a top-15 ranked side since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – a victory against Germany in a friendly post Olympics.
Since December 2023 they have been defeated by Canada three times, USA twice, Japan, Germany and twice by Brazil.
They failed to deliver on interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni’s pledge that the Matildas would be playing to win matches at the SheBelieves Cup.
The youngsters in the squad were mostly unused, the fringe players slightly tested and the stalwarts heavily relied on.
Yet they finished the tournament with zero wins, just two goals scored and eight goals conceded.
The Matildas are going to have to put in some serious work should they wish to lift a trophy at the Asian Cup next year.
Here is how the players rated over all three matches:
Mackenzie Arnold 4.5
It has been a while between competitive matches for Mackenzie Arnold and that could partly explain her below average performance in the opening game against Japan. She missed saves that an in form Arnold would normally make. Sermanni didn’t give her a second chance.
Tegan Micah 6.5
Still room for improvement but Micah is certainly in a position to challenge for the No. 1 keeper spot. She has delivered more consistently of late and is certainly in good form for Liverpool. Made five saves in the USA match and limited the damage done by Colombia.
Ellie Carpenter 6
She was far from the Carpenter we are used to seeing darting up and down the wing with the ball at her feet against Japan but that is hard to do when your team doesn’t have the ball. Carpenter was much improved against Colombia. Carpenter is a lock for the Asian Cup.
Steph Catley 5
Used as a fullback in the opening game and a centre back in the second before going back to her usual position – Sermanni revealed Catley had been battling a cold this camp and was not 100 per cent. She was a stabilising force against Colombia and regardless of form at this tournament Catley will be at the Asian Cup.
Alanna Kennedy 4
She made a number of defensive errors in the first game and her lack of match minutes due to being in pre-season with her new NWSL club certainly showed. While far from her best performance it is unlikely to damage her chances of a call up for the next window or the Asian Cup.
Charli Grant 6.5
She brings a new level of energy anytime she enters the match – her efforts against Japan – where she was the only Matildas player to get a shot off, earned her a spot in the starting 11 against USA and Colombia. Grant was certainly one of the more consistent players on the field and should be seriously looked at by the incoming coach as potential starting side player.
Clare Hunt 5
Didn’t appear to be in the game against Japan and was rested for the game against the USA but she was in much better form against Colombia. Clare Hunt is one of the best defenders in the business and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Natasha Prior 6.5
Probably should have been given more minutes on the pitch given her efforts in her limited time to shine. Has potential to be a real star come the Asian Cup.
Katrina Gorry 5
Katrina Gorry likes to command the midfielder, be a playmaker and an option at all times – but when your side doesn’t have the ball that becomes difficult. She struggled to have much of an impact against Japan and was rested for the clash with the USA. Gorry was a bit more involved against Colombia but struggled to hold the ball – her turnover leading to Colombia’s first goal. Gorry has previously hinted that she might not be playing international football come the Asian Cup.
Kyra Cooney-Cross 7
There were some real glimpses of brilliance from young Kyra Cooney-Cross – well timed crosses, accurate through balls. Sermanni tested her in a new role upfront against Colombia and she didn’t look uncomfortable at all. It could open up some new attacking combinations in the future.
Tameka Yallop 6
In flying form in the ALW for Brisbane Roar and proving reliable in the midfield for the Matildas. Yallop got plenty of minutes in the SheBelieves Cup, despite missing the USA game. As the only player in the team to have won a major tournament her experience could prove crucial at the Asian Cup.
Whinona Heatley 6
Really deserved more minutes than she was given. Heatley is such a versatile player and she proved that by playing multiple positions during the tournament. Heatley really needs more exposure to these elite level as she will likely play a big role come the Asian Cup
Daniela Galic 4
Her match minutes were very limited – was a shame to not see more of her. Gaelic is getting very limited time on the field at her new club FC Twente.
Emily van Egmond 5
The most capped player in the current squad Emily van Egmond still have plenty to bring to the field for the Matildas – and experience will prove key come the Asian Cup – but she is going to have to lift if she wants to keep her spot.
Alanna Murphy 5
Given her debut off the bench against the USA and a second run against Colombia. She didn’t really make too many major mistakes but hard to judge on such limited minutes. If she maintains her form in the A-League’s she could certainly push for a spot come the Asian Cup.
Laini Freier 4
Given her debut off the bench against USA and not used for the rest of the tournament. Freier has plenty of potential but with less than 20 professional league games under her boots she would be a risky choice for the Asian Cup squad.
Holly McNamara 5.5
The fact Holly McNamara is even playing for the Matildas is remarkable given her battle with a third ACL tear. She was impressive in her limited minutes on the field and if she can remain injury free will be a key player at the Asian Cup and beyond for the Matildas.
Kaitlyn Torpey 5
Another player given limited minutes this tournament perhaps due to being in pre-season and not quite match fit. While a versatile off the bench player at the moment Torpey has potential to crack her way into the starting side come the Asian Cup.
Hayley Raso 7.5
As the only player to play every minute of each of the three games this tournament she certainly gets some bonus points. Raso was dynamic against Colombia – her goal giving the team renewed spark. Unlikely for her to lose her spot before the Asian Cup.
Caitlin Foord 5.5
One of the most consistent players in the Matildas squad but currently suffering from a real issue in front of the goal. Foord needs to sort out her composure in front of the net – but regardless Foord will be in the green and gold come the Asian Cup.
Mary Fowler 5.5
Mary Fowler is in flying form for Manchester City but coaches just can’t seem to get her to bring that magic to the Matildas. There were moments of brilliance against Japan but she didn’t have much impact when she came off the bench on to the wing against Colombia.
Michelle Heyman 6
Surprisingly few minutes given the Matildas need for goals. It was her header that got the Matildas on the board against the USA but she wasn’t able to replicate it against Colombia.
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