The Australian women’s national team, the Matildas, endured a disappointing start to their SheBelieves Cup campaign, falling 4-0 to Japan in a performance riddled with defensive frailties and a lack of cohesion. The defeat has raised concerns as Australia prepares for the upcoming home Asian Cup, with head coach Tony Gustavsson facing pressure to find solutions.

Defensive Struggles and Lack of Structure

From the outset, Japan dictated the tempo, exploiting gaps in Australia’s defensive setup. The Matildas struggled to contain Japan’s quick, technical play, leading to multiple defensive breakdowns. Poor marking and miscommunication at the back allowed Japan to capitalize on their chances, with clinical finishing making the difference.

Lack of Cohesion in Attack

While the Matildas have talented attacking players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, they failed to generate meaningful scoring opportunities. The midfield lacked fluidity, and Japan’s pressing forced errors, preventing Australia from building sustained attacks. The absence of Mary Fowler due to injury was also felt, as the team lacked creativity in the final third.