Matildas' Slovenia Victory: Montemurro Declares It 'Perfect' Despite Early Challenges
2025-06-26
The West Australian
The Matildas kicked off their international campaign with a 3-0 victory over Slovenia at HBF Park in Perth. While the performance wasn't flawless, coach Joe Montemurro has surprisingly labelled the match 'the perfect game'. But what made him reach that conclusion? Let's delve into the details of Australia's win and explore Montemurro's perspective.
A Solid Start, But Room for Improvement
The atmosphere at HBF Park was electric as the Matildas took on Slovenia. The victory itself was comfortable enough, with goals from Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, and Steph Catley securing the three points. However, the performance wasn't without its moments of frustration. The Australian side appeared to struggle initially to find their rhythm, with passes going astray and a lack of cohesion in the final third. Slovenia, despite being ranked lower, put up a spirited fight, making the Matildas work for their win.
Montemurro's 'Perfect Game' Rationale
So, why did Montemurro describe the match as 'perfect'? It wasn't about flawless execution, he explained. Instead, it was about the lessons learned and the areas of improvement identified. He highlighted the resilience of the team in overcoming early challenges and their ability to adapt their game plan as the match progressed.
“It’s always good to get that first game out of the way,” Montemurro stated. “It's about building momentum and understanding what we need to work on. We had to dig deep today, and that's what I'm proud of. It wasn't a perfect performance in terms of technical execution, but it was a perfect game in terms of what we learned and how we responded.”
He emphasized the importance of these early matches in the lead-up to major tournaments, seeing them as invaluable opportunities for experimentation and tactical adjustments. The Slovenia match allowed the team to test different combinations, assess player form, and identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed before facing tougher opposition.
Key Takeaways from the Slovenia Match
Beyond Montemurro's perspective, several key takeaways emerged from the match. The Matildas' attacking prowess was evident, with Foord, Raso, and Catley all finding the back of the net. However, the midfield needs to improve their distribution and control, and there’s room for greater fluidity in the attacking transitions. The defense, while largely solid, experienced moments of vulnerability that will need to be tightened up.
Looking Ahead
The Matildas will be looking to build on this victory as they continue their preparations for upcoming international fixtures. Montemurro's focus will be on refining their tactics, improving their consistency, and ensuring the team is firing on all cylinders when it matters most. This Slovenia match, despite its imperfections, provided a valuable learning experience and a platform for growth. The team’s ability to learn from these early games will be crucial in their pursuit of success on the world stage.
The Matildas' journey continues, and with the talent and determination within the squad, they are well-positioned to achieve their goals.
