The Matildas at their best have always been a picture of fluidity, but the latest hit-out was the strongest sign that Project Montemurro is a clear break from the past, especially the style that got the team to the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
Predecessor Tony Gustavsson – like Montemurro – prioritised fast-paced attack, possession and pressing. but his system was more moulded around his select group of trusted players, and the Swede was criticised for his extreme lack of rotation and occasionally over-complicating tactics.
Montemurro’s success with Arsenal, Juventus, and Lyon was achieved with a ideology that sounds similar on paper – proactive and possession-based – but ther seem to be key differences which are encouraging for Australia’s home Asian Cup hopes in March.
Sayer’s reference to Total Football – the 1970s Dutch system made famous by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, and based on the principle that no outfield player has a fixed position and frequently interchange and create goals through extra space – wasn’t far off the mark based on Friday.
Matildas Fine-Tune Strategy and Prepare for Asian Cup with 5-0 Victory Over New Zealand
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The Australian women’s national soccer team, the Matildas, showcased both style and substance in a dominant 5-0 win over New Zealand, as they continue preparations for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The match highlighted a refined tactical approach emphasizing possession and controlled attacks, a strategy implemented by coach Joe Montemurro. This approach aims to reduce reliance on individual brilliance and build a more resilient team capable of navigating potential challenges, including the possible absence of key players like Sam Kerr.
Montemurro’s Possession-Based Approach
Montemurro emphasized a purposeful shift away from “direct, hit-and-hope” tactics, rather focusing on a “prepared direct football” that prioritizes breaking lines with intention. He explained, “We’ve worked a lot especially on]understanding when we can break lines and preparing to go forward.”[https://wwwtheguardiancom/football/2023/apr/09/matildas-beat-new-zealand-5-0-ahead-of-world-cup-joe-montemurro[https://wwwtheguardiancom/football/2023/apr/09/matildas-beat-new-zealand-5-0-ahead-of-world-cup-joe-montemurro
Midfielder Emily Sayer echoed this sentiment, stating the team’s focus is on “establishing possession” and “progressing up the field with control.” She characterized Montemurro’s style as refreshingly “simple,” adding, “Joe doesn’t have a complicated playing style; I think the simplicity is the best part about it.”
Building Resilience and Depth
This strategic shift is designed to build a more robust team dynamic. The breadth of goalscorers in the 5-0 victory – five different players found the net – demonstrates a growing capacity for collective output. This is a meaningful improvement from previous iterations of the team where reliance on individual performances, particularly from sam Kerr, was more pronounced.
The ability to distribute scoring responsibilities is crucial as the team prepares for the rigors of a major tournament like the asian cup. It means the Matildas are less vulnerable to setbacks should a key player be unavailable.
Kerr’s Status and Upcoming Changes
While the team is demonstrating greater depth, there is optimism that captain Sam Kerr will be available for the upcoming match against New Zealand in Adelaide on Tuesday night. Kerr has been managing a “grumbly calf,” and the coaching staff are hopeful she will be rested enough to feature. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/apr/09/matildas-beat-new-zealand-5-0-ahead-of-world-cup-joe-montemurro
Further changes to the starting lineup are anticipated, including the return of defender Claire Hunt after a period of rest.Alanna Kennedy is also set to be available after completing a suspension stemming from a red card received in a previous match against England.
Looking Ahead to the Asian Cup
The match against New Zealand in Adelaide will serve as the Matildas’ final pre-Asian Cup warm-up game.The team will aim to solidify their tactical approach and close out matches more comfortably. The focus on possession, controlled attacks, and building team depth positions the Matildas as strong contenders in the upcoming tournament.
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