Tony Gustavsson, the head coach of Australia, has refrained from placing the blame for their disappointing loss to the Super Falcons on his team.
The Super Falcons shocked the co-hosts, who entered the game as favorites, by winning the Group B match 3-2.
Through Emily van Egmond, the Matildas gained the advantage in the first minute of extra time.
But a few minutes later, Randy Waldrum’s team rallied, and Uchenna Kanu, making her competition debut, slid the ball home after a cross from Rasheedat Ajibade.
In the 65th minute of the game, Osinachi Ohale gave the Super Falcons their first advantage.
Seven minutes later, substitute Asisat Oshoala scored the third goal.
Deep into stoppage time, Alanna Kennedy helped Australia close the deficit.
Gustavsson responded by saying, “We stated we’re always going to focus on the players we have available and a lot of people were worried about our attack tonight without them [Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler on the park], but we got two goals. After the game, Gustavsson noted, “We had some really, very spectacular attacking sequences.
“We moved the ball quickly…We observed a more fluid offensive strategy and increased production. I can’t believe we didn’t score on a set play sooner because we were so dangerous on them.
8 comments