1-1 Draw: CommBank Matildas Begin New Cycle with a Mixed Bag
The CommBank Matildas kicked off their new cycle with a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland, a game that felt like a mixed bag of emotions. It was a decent start, but definitely not the dominant win fans had hoped for.
A New Era
This match marked the beginning of a fresh chapter for the Matildas, with Tony Gustavsson at the helm for a new era of Australian women's football. The squad has a mix of seasoned veterans like Sam Kerr and new faces, which adds to the excitement of this new cycle.
Early Pressure, Late Goal
The game started with the Matildas putting pressure on the Irish, but it took until the 72nd minute for Kerr to put one in the back of the net. It felt like a moment of relief as the team had been working hard to break the deadlock. But it wasn't meant to be, as Ireland equalized just seven minutes later, leaving the final score at 1-1.
Looking Ahead
While the draw may not have been the ideal result, it's definitely not the end of the world. The Matildas have plenty of room for improvement, and this game provides valuable insight into what needs to be worked on.
This new cycle is all about building momentum for the big tournaments coming up, including the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. This is a big year for the Matildas, and hopefully, this opening match is just the beginning of a successful journey.