In a revelation that sheds light on the controversial selection of Kyah Simon in the Matildas’ squad, head coach Tony Gustavsson has finally disclosed details about the injury that hindered the star striker during the Women’s World Cup. However, Gustavsson remained tight-lipped about his future with the team.
Kyah Simon was included in the 23-player squad on July 3, despite her last appearance dating back to October of the previous year when she tore her left anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Tottenham. This decision drew considerable controversy and raised questions about her readiness to perform on the world stage.
During the tournament, the 32-year-old striker did not feature in a single match, even as Australia made it to the semi-finals for the first time. This further compounded the team’s woes, given the absence of their captain, Sam Kerr, for the initial three games.
Gustavsson expressed his regret, stating, “In the (penalty) shootout against Sweden, I could have used her.” However, he clarified that Simon’s absence wasn’t initially expected when he made the selection, but her setbacks in training during the World Cup limited her impact on the field.
Simon’s injury setbacks occurred both before and after the final squad selection was confirmed, just 24 hours before the Matildas’ opening game against Ireland on July 20. Gustavsson pointed out, “She had a minor, smaller (setback). She was selected being available and in the last two weeks of training pre-camp, she was phenomenal.”
The coach emphasized that Simon’s form had been impressive leading up to the tournament, but two subsequent setbacks forced her into a reduced role within the team, ultimately limited to taking penalty kicks.
When asked about his own future with the Matildas and rumors linking him to the vacant position with the USA team, Gustavsson steered clear of specifics. He, however, stressed the need for increased high-performance investment as the team strives to move on from their Women’s World Cup disappointment and prepare for the Paris Olympics.
Former Matildas assistant coach and two-time World Cup winner, Jill Ellis, has supported Gustavsson as a potential successor to Vlatko Andonovski with the United States. Gustavsson underscored the importance of investment in high-performance and expressed his commitment to working with the Australian team, considering it a new beginning rather than an end of a journey.
He emphasized, “I want to see investment now. I really do. I want to see investment. And I mean like a real investment that we’re serious about what we’re doing.”
