Post-Match Press Conference: Tony Gustavsson & Mary Fowler
CommBank Matildas Head Coach Tony Gustavsson, and AFC's Player of the Match Mary Fowler, spoke to the press at the official Post-Match Press Conference after Australia defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 in the first leg of the AFC Olympic Qualifiers (Third Round).
Fowler said that they had prepared well for Uzbekistan and were pleased to get the result that they did.
“We went into this game knowing that Uzbekistan has decent players and can play very counter-attacking football,” she began. “And also that these types of games can be frustrating and take time to get goals.”
“I think that you saw in this game that it did end up taking time and we didn’t score until the second half, so I think we prepared well and we were able to execute our game plan.”
Gustavsson agreed with Fowler’s assessment of the game, adding that the key area of improvement was around converting the opportunities that had been created.
“I’m happy that we did get that 1-0 goal from the corner so that we could open it up a little bit more, and then get two more,” he said.
“I think maybe we could have scored a couple more goals, especially in the second half, considering the chances that we did create. That’s something that we need to look into – can we take care of chances a little bit better when we play on Wednesday?”
The match was a special moment for Kaitlyn Torpey. She started on the left wing to become CommBank Matilda #227 – the 22nd debutant in Tony Gustavsson’s four-year tenure.
Fowler, who played alongside Torpey, was full of praise for the 23-year-old’s performance.
“If anything, maybe she should be a little bit more selfish than she is!” she said, laughing.
“But I thought she did well, she got herself in positions to create opportunities for the team, so I think it’s just the beginning for her.”
The four-day gap between games is always a challenging situation for teams, particularly when long distances are involved. Gustavsson stressed that his side were more than prepared for the quick turnaround.
“Long travel is always a challenge for the Australian team when we fly long,” he explained. “A lot of players play in Europe, but they’re used to long flights, and are very good at recovery. Also with the support from our fans home in Australia, I think that is going to give a lot of players energy.”
“On Tuesday when we train, I will base my lineup on who is available and who is fresh, playing that game on Wednesday.”
Fowler echoed her coach’s thoughts about the crowd giving the team energy, saying that she was “really excited” for the home leg of the tie.
“I think that I speak for everyone when I say that we really look forward to playing at the moment and being there with all of the fans,” she said. “It’s always so much fun being able to play in front of them and just feel the support.”
“Very much looking forward to it.”
Australia v Uzbekistan
Date: Wednesday, 28 February 2024
Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDT
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria
Broadcast: Live from 7.30pm AEDT on 10, 10 Bold in Perth, 10 Play and Paramount+.