Robbie Slater: The Matildas have perfect opportunity to show what they are building towards against Korea Republic

The match against Korea Republic may be a ‘friendly’, but there is a lot riding on this match for the Matildas, as ROBBIE SLATER explains.

Disastrous results aside, the fans are still going to flock to Allianz Stadium to watch the much-loved Matildas – there is a real positive energy around these games and the players really need to make sure they live up to the hype.

There is no doubt injuries to key starting eleven players Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso is a hindrance to interim coach Tom Sermanni and how he planned to tackle this first game against Korea Republic.

Hayley Raso is out of the first game against Korea. Picture: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Ellie Carpenter is also an injury withdrawal from the Matildas’ side. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

He would have definitely had them both in his starting side.

But it will provide an opportunity for others like Charli Grant to show what they can do and put their best foot forward.

These games, while called friendlies, have a lot riding on them because the country loves the Matildas.

After some rocky results, especially at the recent She Believes Cup, they really need to start getting back on track and show what they are building towards.

We need to see a greater focus on attack this window.

Just two shots on target at the She Believes Cup from all three games is not good.

I spoke to Sermanni today and he is very aware of that.

Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni is very aware of the lack of shots on goal. Picture: David Gray / AFP

But playing at home in front of what should be two sellout crowds is very different to what the Matildas had in America.

Having Sam Kerr back in camp has put a real positive vibe around these series. They really need to convert their off-field energy into some positive results.

Korea Republic could well be an opponent come next year Asian Cup – either in the pool games or the knockout stages.

It’s a perfect chance for us to have a look at them. But don’t be fooled because they will be having a good look at us as well.

Yes we have players injured, but it will give us a chance to see the players of the future.

But we also have one big player coming back soon and that’s Kerr.

Sam Kerr takes selfies with fans at Matildas training in Sydney. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

While I’m a bit miffed about why she has been brought halfway around the world into a camp when she can’t play, there is no denying that we need her back on the pitch.

The stats speak for themselves.

We have really struggled to score goals without her, we don’t have an out and out No.9.

That is no disrespect to Michelle Heyman, she is super effective off the bench, but we need a fully fit Kerr able to play 90 minutes and deliver us results.

It would also be good to know what is going on with the coach and if there will be a new one by the Asian Cup.

Sermanni could be going for a record as the longest running interim coach. It’s been nine months since Tony Gustavsson walked out the door.

I think the delay is because they want to give the job to Joe Montemurro, who is locked in at Lyon.

He’s the favourite. We keep saying we have time – the Asian Cup isn’t until next year – but time goes fast. We are already halfway thorough this year.

The coach needs time to get to know the players so it really needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Originally published as Robbie Slater: The Matildas have perfect opportunity to show what they are building towards against Korea Republic