The Matildas defeated Jamaica 4-1 in their final group game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
SBS’ FIFA Women’s World Cup commentator David Basheer was there in France calling the match. Speaking on Evenings on FNR, Basheer mentioned that despite the flattering scoreline the Matildas produced against Jamaica, there are still issues the team needs to fix heading into the Round 16.
“It was a pretty remarkable match for many reasons. Australia didn’t have their difficulties, they had issues in the second half,” Basheer said.
“But Sam Kerr’s individual performance was breath-taking really.
“From that point of view very very positive but, you’re still seeing this team developing defensively.
“They dropped their guard and a very athletic Jamaica pushed them in the second half.
“As we move forward to the Round 16 and Norway, certainly there’s things for Ante Milicic to ponder – but overall a positive result.”
One area is transition. Against Jamaica, Emily Van Egmond was beaten off the ball by 22-year-old Khadija Shaw, who sparked the counter-attack and the eventual goal that was scored for the Caribbean nation.
Basheer went on to compliment Norway, saying they will be a tough assignment for the Aussies.
“They are [Norway] probably less athletic but more predictable than Jamaica.
“Norway cleaned up Nigeria in the opening game, they probably played their best game against France in the second game when they were really, really good,” he said.
“They’re a thoroughly decent team, of course they’re without their superstar Ada Hegerberg, obviously for principal reasons isn’t playing at this World Cup.
“Norway are a really solid team, defensively they’re strong and I think they’ll give Australia trouble.”
Australia face Norway in the round of 16 on Sunday at 5am AEST.
