There are few more frustrating ways to exit a tournament – a goalmouth scramble, a favourable ricochet, and then to concede in the 87th minute.
That the Matildas leave Canada with heads held high is in keeping with a playing squad and coaching staff that have conducted themselves impeccably, not just throughout this tournament, but across a gruelling and extensive six-month campaign.
Amid the hand-wringing and ‘what could have been’ of the post-match dissection, coach Alen Stajcic was characteristically honest and direct in his assessment – the courage shown by the Matildas was fantastic, but the execution had been on occasions lacking.
Offered excuses ranging from the punishing schedule of the ‘group of death’ fixtures, or the soaring temperature of the much-maligned artificial surface, the Matildas boss simply pointed to the technique and skill of the opponents instead, reiterating that Australia were “beaten by a better side”.
And whilst the post-game sports interview is the stalking ground of statements of obvious, truisms and home to the most banal aphorisms known to human language, there were several key reasons why Stajcic was right to call upon this tried and tested cliché.
In Aya Miyama, Rumi Utsugi, Mizuho Sakaguchi and Nahomi Kawasumi, Japan boast a midfield that is the envy of any squad at this tournament; and this was very much a game won and lost in midfield.
Rewatch the tapes of Australia’s performances throughout this World Cup and you notice that against sides playing a 4-3-3 tactical system (Brazil and Nigeria) the Matildas were either more dominant or at least more comfortable in possession then when faced with flat midfields, such as the 4-4-2 played by Japan, Sweden, and the USA.
Under matching systems, the trio of Elise Kellond-Knight, Emily van Egmond and Katrina Gorry were rarely bested, and yet as they did when faced with the excellent Caroline Seger of Sweden, pulled forward and back by Sakaguchi in particular, the Matildas struggled to firstly receive the ball centrally, let alone play the type of composed passes to feet upon which a striker such as Kyah Simon depends.
An especial strength of the Japanese system is also the left flank combination of the two Ayas – Sameshima and Miyama. Caitlin Foord may have enhanced her growing reputation on the world’s stage with her brilliant performance shackling Brazil’s five-time World Player of the Year, Marta, but her relatively ‘subdued’ performance here is testament to the sheer volume of pressure the Matildas’ right-side defence was subjected to through this combination.
Not too many teams in world football are captained by a left winger, but to describe Miyama as such is to short sell her function in this team. Drifting centrally to take up dangerous positions and operate at times as a third striker, or a deep-lying attacking midfielder, the Japanese captain is both a provider and a finisher, allowing Sameshima to occupy the spaces she vacates, with the excellent (and also left-footed) Utsugi able to cover in either role.
It’s a combination that will unlock the best defences at this tournament and that the Matildas held obdurate and resolute for almost the full term is testament to the tremendous development of young players such as Foord, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy, alongside the imposing figure of Laura Alleway.
For all of Japan’s technical proficiency and especially their first-half dominance, there’s much to be taken from the Matildas’ improved second half performance, and when the dust has settled, both players and staff will do well to reflect on the cumulatively impressive showings on display throughout this World Cup.
Just four years ago Australia were well-beaten by a disciplined Swedish side that went on to finish third. This time? The Matildas outclassed them. Four years ago the World Cup final was contested by the USA and Japan. This time? The Matildas gave both a very keen testing.
To map just how far this Matildas squad has come, cast your mind back to the Asian Cup final against Japan of just a year ago – where a midfield boasting Miyama, Sakaguchi, Kawasumi and the legendary Homare Sawa ruthlessly bossed a youthful Australian side.
This once-in-a-generation legion of stars won’t burn bright forever – with one player in the starting XI under 26, Japan’s dominance of Asia, and their position near the top in world football will come under increasing pressure.
In contrast, with eight Australian players 24 or younger, the painful lessons learned on the searing pitch of Edmonton will go a long way to instructing the Matildas in years to come.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow today. But the exertion, hardship and sacrifice that bound this squad of Matildas so tightly together will only forge a stronger and even more successful team for tomorrow.
