There was a moment midway through the second half of the Matildas’ Olympic debut that captured the essence of an otherwise lackluster, unsteady performance, occasionally punctuated by flashes of brilliance. Captain Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord connected in a stunning display on the left side, cutting through the German midfield. Catley surged ahead, powering past the German defender who was trailing her. For a fleeting moment, it was the Matildas showcasing their finest.
However, as Catley approached the six-yard box, she encountered Germany’s Marina Hegering – hitting an impenetrable block. Catley’s first attempt was thwarted, and as she sought another chance, she collided with teammate Hayley Raso, who had rushed in to help. The ball rolled away from the German penalty area, unscathed. Another chance slipped away for the Australians.
On a warm evening in Marseille, Australia’s cherished national team kicked off their Paris 2024 journey on a disappointing note, suffering a 3-0 defeat against a commanding German side. This leaves the Matildas facing a challenging path to reach the quarter-finals; they must bounce back with a win against Zambia on Sunday, followed by a decisive group stage match against the United States next week. With eight of the twelve teams at the Olympics progressing to the next round, advancement is certainly possible – but only if the Matildas can swiftly improve after this setback in Marseille.
Despite a build-up to the Olympics marred by injuries, coach Tony Gustavsson had the fortune of fielding a full-strength starting XI; only Tameka Yallop wasn’t fully match-fit, replaced on the bench by squad reserve Sharn Freier. With Catley, Foord, and midfield powerhouse Katrina Gorry all fit again, the Matildas presented a squad rich in talent.
Unfortunately, during the majority of the first half, that talent failed to materialize. Australia hadn’t defeated Germany in nearly two decades, and early indications suggested that was unlikely to change. Germany dominated possession and swiftly contained the Matildas’ sporadic advances; they exhibited the form that led them to the European championship final two years ago, contrasting sharply with the weaknesses that caused their early exit from last year’s World Cup.
The German attacking threat was apparent with Jule Brand unleashed on a rapid counterattack in the opening minutes, besting two Australian defenders before mishitting the final touch. It was a foreboding sign of what was yet to come.
Minutes later, Catley went down after a head collision while defending a corner. The delay extended as the Arsenal player received medical assistance. During the ensuing moments, the Australians appeared more composed and confident – reminiscent of last year’s World Cup round of 16 match against Denmark, when an injury break following early pressure shifted the momentum.
However, this time, the improved tempo didn’t last. In the 24th minute, Germany earned a corner. The resulting outswinger met a soaring Marina Hegering at the back post, who sent a header past a startled Arnold. It was a well-executed set-piece, and the Matildas’ defensive line seemed helpless to stop it.
Australia emerged from halftime with increased poise, undoubtedly fueled by some impassioned words from Gustavsson. But once again, they were undone by a German corner, this time with Lea Schüller left unmarked in the center of the Matildas’ box, barely six yards out. Arnold had no chance, as Germany increased their lead.
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It took only four minutes for Germany to net a third; Brand, who had looked perilous all evening, finished into the back of the net following a precise pass from Schüller.
Shortly after, Germany believed they had scored a fourth – Klara Bühl was merely denied by the offside flag. As the match neared its conclusion, it was German wastefulness, rather than an Australian defensive fortitude, that prevented further goals. A ball from the left brushed across Australia’s goal, with Schüller just inches from making contact.
Gustavsson launched his tenure with the Matildas three years ago against Germany, suffering a 5-2 defeat. He described that match as a “reality check.” The years that followed were kinder to the Swede and his team – they secured fourth place at the Tokyo Olympics and another fourth place at a home World Cup last year. However, this match proved to be another reality check against formidable European rivals. Tepid performances such as this will not earn the Matildas the Olympic medal they so fervently desire.
