Australians have criticised the tactics of Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson after shock World Cup defeat. Image credit: Facebook
Australians have criticised the tactics of Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson after shock World Cup defeat against Nigeria.
The team were defeated 3-2 on Thursday in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium — a win that would have sent them into the knockout round.
Gustavsson only made his first substitution in the 82nd minute by bringing in defender Clare Polkinghorne to replace Cortnee Vine.
At the time, Nigeria had already used four substitutions.
The move pushed defender Alanna Kennedy to play forward as a second striker.
Former Soceroos legend, Mark Schwarzer, questioned Gustavsson’s tactics.
“I think when Tony looks back at the substitutions he made and the type of substitutions he made, he will look back with a bit of regret,” he said.
“Bringing on Clare Polkinghorne and moving Alanna Kennedy up front was way too early. It wasn’t effective until late in the game.”
Alex Chidiac was introduced in the 85th minute — a move that Schwarzer claimed was made much too late.
“I think when [Alex] Chidiac came on, she was a big difference. She should have probably scored, but I think if she had been on the field earlier it could have been a different result,” Schwarzer said.
Former Matildas player, Amy Chapman, also criticised Gustavsson’s decisions.
She said, “Chidiac really made a difference, but we really needed that 15 minutes earlier.
“He needed to go for it. There’s a 3–1 gap there. It’s too late. They’re getting frustrated. Nigeria are dropping further and further back. It was too late.”
Many Matildas’ supporters said they felt “disappointed” with Tony Gustavsson and the result.
Australia will take on Canada in Melbourne at 8pm on 31 July.
They will need to beat Canada or they risk an early exit from the World Cup.
