Matildas dealt reality check ahead of Paris Olympics as glaring flaws become abundantly clear

The Matildas' defensive fragilities and lack of punch in attack have again proved costly as Australia went down 2-1 to Canada in Spain just days before they travel to France ahead of their Olympics campaign opener against Germany on July 25. Canada controlled the match, but their only goals came from blunders by the Aussie defence.

Defensive issues have proved costly for the Matildas in recent years. In the World Cup semi-final last year Australia were trading blows with England until a few defensive lapses saw the old enemy take advantage and book their place in the final.

But almost as concerning for Matildas fans was their lack of fluidity in attack. Australia managed just a single shot on target across 90 minutes and struggled once again without Sam Kerr leading the line. The Matildas have consistently lacked a distinct cutting edge against the top of women's football ranks and have also regularly been badly exposed at the back. And frustratingly for Matildas fans, Tony Gustavsson and his troops seemingly didn't learn much from their 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Canada last year, with the same issues that plagued them in that match occurring again.

On Saturday, Australia struck first on the back of some Mary Fowler magic, who cut through the Canadian midfield before finding Sharn Frier, who slotted the ball into the back of the net. But that was the Matildas' only shot on target and the only time they threatened Canada's goal.

On the flip side, Canada stormed back with two goals and will be disappointed they didn't add a couple more. They finished with 19 shots on goal and six corners in an incredibly one-sided affair. Despite this, the reigning Olympic gold medallists leant on Aussie mistakes to get on the scoreboard.

After Freir’s goal in the 23rd minute, Canada equalised when goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold fumbled a regulation stop in the 40th minute. Arnold’s mistake saw the ball bounce right into the path of Canadian Nichelle Prince, who slotted the ball into the net.

Canada then sealed the match in the 85th minute when another costly defensive error allowed Evelyn Viens to net the winner. The Matildas keeper was furious with her teammates who lost the ball in the penalty area and then the defenders failed to close down Viens. Five Matildas players stood and watched as the Canadian put the ball past a stranded Arnold to seal the win.

Socceroos great Andy Harper said on Paramount Plus after the match there was a clear "chasm" between the Matildas and Canada and it doesn't bode well for Australia's medal hopes at the Olympics. “A lot of people watching that this morning would have been a little bit surprised just at how sluggish some of the connections were or the lack of connection there was or how dominant Canada was,” he said. "Today there was a big chasm between the teams."

Tony Gustavsson alarmed by Australia's lack of a cutting edge

Gustavsson was deeply concerned post-match about his side's lack of creativity in attack. The Matildas coach has regularly foregone some defensive securities to play an exciting brand of football reliant on Australia's attacking flair.

But when Australia's attack is faltering and the defence is vulnerable it is a recipe for disaster as was the case against Canada. “I don’t think we created enough. We normally create a lot of chances when we play,” Gustavsson said.

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“I want to create more. I want to attack.” The Matildas are the walking wounded just 12 days out from the start of their Olympics campaign and Gustavsson is likely facing the prospect of needing to use alternate squad members to replace some injured players.

Caitlin Foord was a late withdrawal for the match against Canada after feeling quad-tightness during her warm-up. It was the latest blow for the Matildas who had Kaitlyn Torpey and Steph Catley ruled out earlier in the week with lower leg injuries and goalkeeper Teagan Micah and midfielder Tameka Yallop also ruled out as precautionary measures.

Matildas Olympic Games squad:

GOALKEEPERS: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah.

DEFENDERS: Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Steph Catley (captain), Clare Polkinghorne, Kaitlyn Torpey.

MIDFIELDERS: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Tameka Yallop, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler.

FORWARDS: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso, Cortnee Vine, Michelle Heyman.

ALTERNATES: Lydia Williams, Courtney Nevin, Charlotte Grant, Sharn Freier.

Matildas schedule at the Olympic Games (all times AEST)

Australia vs Germany (Friday, July 26, 3am. Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France)

Australia vs Zambia (Monday, July 29, 3am. Stade de Nice, Nice, France)

Australia vs United States (Thursday, August 1, 3am. Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France)

with agencies