Matildas slump to heavy defeat in Olympic opener as Germany show class

There was a moment midway through the second half of the Matildas’ Olympic opener that epitomised what was ultimately a listless, uncomposed performance, punctuated occasionally by moments of quality. Captain Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord combined in a flash of brilliance on the left flank to unlock the German midfield. Catley found herself released, striving forward, outmuscling the German defender closing behind her. It was, for the briefest of moments, the Matildas at their best.

But as Catley reached the six-yard box, she found herself contained by Germany’s Marina Hegering – hitting an impermeable dead end. When Catley’s first effort came to naught, she tried again, only to collide with teammate Hayley Raso – who had leapt forward to assist. The ball bobbled away from the German penalty box, unharmed. Another opportunity gone begging for the Australians.

On a warm evening in Marseille, Australia’s much-loved national team began their Paris 2024 campaign in disappointing style, falling 3-0 to a dominant German team. It leaves the Matildas with an uphill battle to qualify for the quarter-finals; they will need to regroup with a win on Sunday against Zambia, before a final group stage clash with the United States early next week. With eight of the 12 teams at the Olympics qualifying for the next round, progress remains eminently achievable – but only if the Matildas manage rapid improvement following this misery in Marseille.

Despite his team’s build-up to the Olympics being marred by injuries, the stars aligned for coach Tony Gustavsson to select a full-strength starting XI; just Tameka Yallop was not fully match-fit, replaced on the bench by squad reserve Sharn Freier. But with Catley, Foord and midfield dynamo Katrina Gorry all recovered from injury, it was a Matildas side brimming with talent.

Yet for most of the first-half, that talent did not show. Australia have not beaten Germany in almost two decades and on the early evidence that statistic looked unlikely to change. Germany were the better team in possession and quick to contain the Matildas in their occasional forays forward; they showed more of the form that took them to the European championships final two years ago, and less of the frailty that saw the team prematurely exit last year’s World Cup.

The German attacking threat was evident early, with Jule Brand unleashed on a marauding counterattack in the opening minutes, bettering two green and gold defenders before miscuing with a final-touch. It was an ominous sign of things to come.

Minutes later Catley went down following a head clash while defending a corner. The delay stretched on as the Arsenal star received medical treatment. In the minutes that followed, the Australians looked more composed and assured – reminiscent of the World Cup round of 16 clash last year against Denmark, when an injury delay after early pressure decisively swung momentum.

This time around, the change in tempo did not last. In the 24th minute, Germany won a corner. The resulting outswinger connected with a rising Marina Hegering at the back post, who sent a header past a stunned Arnold. It was a well-practised set-piece and the Matildas’ defensive line seemed powerless to prevent it.

Australia returned from the half-time break with greater composure, no doubt following some impassioned words from Gustavsson. But once again they were underdone by a German corner, this time Lea Schüller unmarked in the middle of the Matildas box barely six yards out. Arnold did not stand a chance, as Germany doubled their lead.

It took just four minutes for Germany to add a third; Brand, who had looked dangerous all evening, dispatched into the back of the net after a pin-point pass from Schüller.

Minutes later Germany thought they had made it four – Klara Bühl was only denied by the offside flag. As the clock ticked down, it was German profligacy rather than Australian defensive steel that stymied yet more goals. One ball from the left flashed across Australia’s goal-mouth with Schüller just inches from connecting.

Gustavsson began his Matildas reign three years ago in a match against Germany, with his new charges falling to a 5-2 rout. He said at the time it was a “reality check”. The subsequent years have been kind to the Swede and his squad – fourth place at the Tokyo Olympics and fourth place at a home World Cup last year. But this was another reality check against the European heavyweights. Tepid performances like this will not secure the Matildas the Olympic medal they so desire.