Gustavsson: Great opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world

Ahead of the CommBank Matildas' final training session at the Estadio Nuevo Colombino in Huelva, Head Coach Tony Gustavsson met with media for the official pre-match press conference. 

Australia will take on Spain early Sunday morning (5.30 am AEST) in the first-ever international meeting between the two nations. 

Gustavsson has been pleased with the amount of work undertaken in the four days since the group has come together. 

“It's actually been very hectic but good hectic as we need to prioritize what we actually need to look at in this game coming up tomorrow,” said Gustavsson. 

“Both on and off the field it’s been hectic with a lot of meetings with players, a lot of video sessions, some double sessions, a lot of content tactically, but also trying to get up to speed physically with some players needed to be amping up their tempo to be used to this international level.” 

The CommBank Matildas training in Huelva, Spain. (Photo: Ann Odong / Football Australia)
The CommBank Matildas training in Huelva, Spain. (Photo: Ann Odong / Football Australia)

“I think it's a great opportunity to actually play one of the best teams in the world with that roster to get answers because otherwise we might lie to ourselves and play a lower rank team.  You all know that a tough schedule is key for us. European opposition is key for us. We've never played Spain before.

“I've said from day one that we never want to change who we are.  We want to be that team that is on the front foot, be really aggressive, and be physical.

“At the same time, we know from experience that game management is key.  Meaning being able to manage games and scenarios in games, whether it's up or go down a goal or depending on whether pitch circumstances or opponents.”

Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+ will have all the match coverage for the CommBank Matildas June internationals against Spain and Portugal.  

Saturday’s opening match against Spain will see the broadcast commence at 5.00 am AEST.

UPCOMING COMMBANK MATILDAS FIXTURES:  

Spain v Australia  
Date: Saturday, 25 June (local) / Sunday, 26 June (AUS)  
Time: 9.30pm (local) / 5.30am (AEST)  
Venue: Estadio Nuevo Colombino, Huelva  
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+  
  
Portugal v Australia  
Date: Tuesday, 28 June (local) / Wednesday, 29 June (AUS)  
Time: 9.00pm (local) / 6.00am (AEST)  
Venue: Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril  
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+ 

 

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This article was originally published on the CommBank Matildas website.
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