Given that it included two Olympic Games, an Asian Cup, a home Women’s World Cup, and a pandemic, Tony Gustavsson’s tenure with the Matildas feels like it has spanned more than just four years. This impression may have softened the blow of Thursday’s announcement regarding the mutual decision between the Swede and Football Australia to part ways.
No coaching role extends indefinitely, and even prior to the team’s unfortunate group stage exit in Paris, it became clear that the conclusion of his contract heralded a clean break that would benefit all parties involved—rather than a dismissal. This was a realization the 50-year-old had been contemplating in the months leading up to the Games, not only weighing whether staying as the Matildas’ coach was right for him but also questioning if he was still the right fit for the team.
Should there have been any uncertainty from him or the federation, the Matildas’ difficulties at the Olympics only reinforced the belief that now was an opportune moment for this separation.
Indeed, despite various familiar shortcomings on display during the past week in France, perhaps the clearest indication that Gustavsson had reached his tenure’s conclusion was the team’s defensive lapses. The defensive line had shown notable improvement during his time, yet in France, they faced a significant downturn in performance during matches they had prepared for over the past year, with no personnel changes to justify this regression.
The catastrophic defending during set pieces is particularly puzzling for a squad that has enjoyed continuity in players and coaching for so long, especially one led by a coach known for his expertise in set pieces as an assistant to Jill Ellis during the World Cup-winning US teams.
How detrimental were these defensive issues? Had Australia conceded four goals instead of five against Zambia, they would have advanced instead of Brazil. Instead, the Matildas are heading home, marking the end of a tenured period that is hard to categorize. It has been a complex four years that combined glorious experiences and memories with a persistent feeling of unfulfillment.
In breaking through the quarter-final barrier and pushing into the semi-finals of both the Olympics and the World Cup, one could argue that, based on outcomes, Gustavsson is the most successful coach in Matildas history. Only Tom Sermanni, with his 2010 Asian Cup victory, remains a viable contender for that title.
Steph Catley celebrates after scoring against Canada at last year’s World Cup. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
There have been flashes of potential behind the surface—like the tactical adjustments and triumphs over Canada, Denmark, and France at the World Cup, or the commanding victory against the Philippines during Olympic qualifying. Yet there were also injuries and challenging situations that stymied the best-laid plans; Gustavsson likely did not expect to be without Sam Kerr for much of the World Cup or these Olympics.
However, considering the talent available and the favorable circumstances, one might argue that more could have been achieved. There’s a strong case to be made that the potential among the players could have been better harnessed, and that the tactical framework under Gustavsson limited the team’s full potential.
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Alanna Kennedy’s positioning as a forward and Emily van Egmond’s introduction into the midfield while the Matildas were on the attack against the US illustrated a side that, despite efforts for evolution, often reverted to past strategies at critical junctures.
As the fallout from the Gustavsson era unfolds, it is crucial not only to consider what’s next but also to reflect on the context of what has transpired. While there is often a tendency to assign blame after a tournament exit, it’s essential to remember that a coach is not solely responsible for a team’s performance.
If the federation’s review identifies shortcomings in approach or philosophy during Gustavsson’s time, it will be nearly meaningless unless it leads to sincere internal evaluation. The review mechanisms present at the federation allowed such issues to remain unaddressed.
In hindsight, the Matildas’ departure in the quarter-finals of the 2022 Asian Cup marked a critical turning point for Football Australia—a final opportunity to transition away from Gustavsson before the World Cup. Yet, as they had consistently done throughout his tenure, they chose to support him despite outside criticism and dissatisfaction.
Eventually, a new Matildas coach will need to be appointed. Equally vital for the Matildas’ prospects in the upcoming Asian Cup in 2026 and World Cup in 2027 will be recognizing the context in which they will operate and understanding the events that have shaped their path.
