- National team eliminated in pool stage in Paris
- Allowed nine goals in disappointing defensive performance
The Matildas are searching for a new head coach following Football Australia’s confirmation that Tony Gustavsson’s contract will not be renewed.
Gustavsson’s four-year stint concluded after the Matildas failed to advance past the group stage at the Paris Olympics, leading to calls for his departure from frustrated Australian fans.
Football Australia stated that the choice not to continue with Gustavsson was a mutual decision.
The coach’s future has been a topic of discussion since last year’s Women’s World Cup hosted in Australia, where he was linked to potential roles with the Swedish men’s team and the US women’s national team.
Gustavsson decided to fulfill the last year of his contract with Australia, only to receive another blow when the US defeated the Matildas 2-1, significantly denting their medal aspirations early Thursday morning.
Australia held out hope they might advance to the quarter-finals as a top third-place finisher, but adverse results in other groups dashed those dreams.
This marks the first time in 24 years that Australia has not reached the knockout stage of the Olympics.
FA is acting swiftly to attract a high-caliber candidate, although the leading local contender, former Melbourne Victory coach Joe Montemurro, has recently committed to a position with French club Lyon.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson’s tenure ends after the team’s failure to progress from the group stage at the Paris Olympics (Gustavsson shown receiving a yellow card during the loss to the USA)
The Swede’s contract with Football Australia will not be renewed following the disappointing performance at the Olympics, it was announced on Thursday
Matildas players were informed of Gustavsson’s exit shortly after their defeat to the USA
Ellie Carpenter is comforted by USA’s Lindsey Horan after the loss severely impacted the team’s Olympic hopes. Shortly after, Colombia’s defeat to Canada sealed their fate, ending their Olympic run.
FA anticipates that hosting the 2026 Asian Cup will further enhance their prospects of drawing in a top-tier coach.
Gustavsson notified his squad of his departure shortly after the loss to the USA.
His exit marks a significant moment as the women’s game in Australia has witnessed a surge in popularity following the Matildas’ fourth-place finish at last year’s World Cup.
Gustavsson should be credited for developing players like Clare Hunt, Cortnee Vine, and Kyra Cooney-Cross to become integral members of the Matildas, as well as his support for Mackenzie Arnold as the starting goalkeeper.
However, concerns linger over his heavy reliance on Australia’s golden generation, his inability to deepen the team’s talent pool, and the Matildas’ struggle to establish a cohesive playing style to compete with the world’s elite teams.
Gustavsson did not relocate to Australia during his charge as Matildas coach, and it remains to be seen if FA will require this of his successors.
