Tony Gustavsson: "I've always believed in this team"

Football Australia Media 1681450598,1681450673

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson spoke to the media following the CommBank Matildas' 2-0 victory over England on Wednesday morning (AEST), praising the team's ability to turn around after their defeat to Scotland.

A goal in either half saw Australia defeat England 2-0 on Tuesday night in Brentford, with skipper Sam Kerr opening the scoring in the first half and a debut goal for Charli Grant to secure the win.

“First of all, it’s just a sense of pride, seeing these players that could use all the excuses in the world not to perform today, playing the team that has the best form in the world right now, playing 30 games unbeaten. They play phenomenal football, England, and we were champions,” Gustavsson said.

“We had 10 injuries going into this game and there could be a lot of excuses not to perform. But that’s not what this team is about,” Gustavsson told media.

“The heart that lives in this team – but then combining that heart with head, meaning the discipline and the tactical execution. That combination between head and heart is what makes me really proud.”

Gustavsson's side ended their seven-game unbeaten streak in their opening game of the April FIFA International Window, going down to Scotland 1-0.

Likewise, Sarina Wiegman's side had yet to face defeat under their new coach, with this 30-game unbeaten streak lasting 30 games and spanning back to September 2021, lifting the UEFA Women's Euro last year.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Charlotte Grant of Australia celebrates after scoring the team's second goal with teammates during the Women's International Friendly match between England and Australia at Gtech Community Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images ) — Charlotte Grant of Australia celebrates after scoring the team's second goal with teammates during the Women's International Friendly match between England and Australia at Gtech Community Stadium on April 11, 2023, in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images )

"I've always believed in this team, players who are this loyal and committed - and I'm so proud to be part of it."

Australia's captain Sam Kerr agreed that the result would be a confidence boost for the side, but no one was getting too ahead of themselves in her post-match press conference.

"But I think it's very important we don't get carried away now. We need to stay very, very humble." he echoed Kerr's remarks.

“We know on any given day, we might not have the best team, but we can beat the best teams.”

The game saw defender Charli Grant score her first senior goal for Australia, finding the back of the net in the 67th minute after linking up with Kerr and making a run at the back post.

"Look at Charli Grant's journey. She had zero caps when I came on board," said Gustavsson.

Tony Gustavsson, Head Coach of Australia, looks on during the Women's International Friendly match between England and Australia at Gtech Community Stadium on April 11, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images ) — Tony Gustavsson, Head Coach of Australia, looks on during the Women's International Friendly match between England and Australia at Gtech Community Stadium on April 11, 2023, in Brentford, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images )

"Since day one, when she struggled a bit at international football, which is natural because the tempo is much higher than she's used to, she's shown the right mindset and really represents a lot of things in this team - the grit."

"She was put in the stands in (Swedish club) FC Rosengård, not even in their game day roster, and then gets loaned out to Vittsjö GIK, yet look at what she does now against England away - that grit and commitment, to always get one day better."

"I'm so happy for her - and she represents a lot of what this team stands for."