The Matildas’ promising start at the SheBelieves Cup came to a disappointing end as they faced a tough defeat against Colombia. Despite Hayley Raso’s late goal, it wasn’t enough to secure a win, with Colombian captain Catalina Usme reclaiming the lead in the 73rd minute. This defeat marked a worrying trend for the Australian side, as it was the first time in four years they’ve lost three matches in a row, raising concerns about their current form.
Defender Clare Hunt expressed her frustration in a post-match interview, noting that the team missed crucial opportunities in the first half. With just a year until the Asian Cup, the Matildas are in a rebuilding phase, which Hunt believes is essential for squad rotation and experience. She emphasised the importance of learning from this experience and acknowledged that the upcoming months might see a change in coaching, providing a fresh start for the team.
Colombia set the pace early on, with their aggressive play forcing Australian goalkeeper Tegan Micah into action. An early mistake by Katrina Gorry allowed Colombia to score first, with a well-executed play leading to a goal by Bonilla. Michelle Heyman struggled to find her rhythm in front of goal and failed to capitalise on opportunities created by her teammates.
As the match progressed, Heyman sought redemption but was hindered by indecision. This lack of confidence provided Colombia with openings to exploit. In the second half, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson brought in experienced players Caitlin Foord and Mary Fowler. Raso finally broke through, scoring in the 69th minute to momentarily level the game. However, the Matildas’ joy was short-lived as a deflected goal from Colombia just three minutes later sealed their fate.
Overall, the match served as a ‘wake-up call’ for the Matildas as they navigate a challenging phase in their development with an important tournament looming on the horizon. The team will need to reflect on these recent disappointments and regroup as they prepare for future competitions.