Stajcic: No quick fix in bid for penalty box prowess

Alen Stajcic has urged the Westfield Matildas to be more efficient and ruthless in their rematch with Chile but admits improvements won’t happen overnight.

Stajcic predicted “three or four” changes would be made to the team that slipped to a 3-2 defeat in Penrith on the weekend.

Emily van Egmond’s twin penalties were the only rewards for a performance full of possession and territory but lacking a cutting edge.

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While long-term targets remain in mind, a second clash with Chile in Newcastle on Tuesday night presents an early opportunity to begin putting harsh lessons into practice.

“We’re looking forward to it. It’s a great chance for us to sort of avenge the other night,” Stajcic said.

“It was a tough game for us [on Saturday] and one that certainly brought up a few challenges for us, and things we need to learn quickly from to address on Tuesday night.

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“We have to be better at both ends of the park.

"We did gift those two or three goals away and then when we had our chances we definitely didn’t capitalise.

“Some of our crossing was poor, some of our decision-making in the penalty box and finding the spare player was poor.

“Unless that improves we’re not going to beat anyone.

“It’s not something you can address overnight, but it is something that we’re focussed on.”

Tuesday’s encounter marks the Westfield Matildas’ first appearance at McDonald Jones Stadium since a record crowd flocked to see last year’s win over Brazil.

Stajcic confirmed local favourite Gema Simon was a chance to feature while praising the impact of Saturday’s substitutes.

“It wasn’t until Emily Gielnik came on that I thought we really changed things and the momentum and rhythm of the game,” he said.

“It’s something we haven’t done well in the past, have substitutes who can come on and change the game.

“I was really pleased the who came on had an impact on the game and a positive one.”