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AFC Women's Asian Cup
It was a strength that head coach Joe Montemurro highlighted afterwards, as they look to get even better in search of a second title on home soil.
#WAC2026 | Group A: IR Iran 0-4 Australia
“We have been growing from day one… making sure we are taking the steps forward in (terms of) the way we want to play and obviously in terms of being able to adapt to different different structures and organisations against certain teams, so (it is) a positive step forward (tonight),” he said.
The front three of Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord were at times unplayable as they linked up impressively, with Fowler scoring a goal and Kerr notching an assist, and Montemurro acknowledged the trio’s importance to the team’s hopes.
The front three of Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord were at times unplayable as they linked up impressively, with Fowler scoring a goal and Kerr notching an assist, and Montemurro acknowledged the trio’s importance to the team’s hopes.
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“It is very important that we integrate them in the right way, they (Kerr and Fowler) are coming back from major injuries,” he said. “We give them the space to be the best that they can be and that is really important for me, because they are players that can create things out of nothing, and you know that’s where these tournaments are very, very important for those sorts of players.”
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On Fowler, who only made her return to action for Manchester City in February and for the Matildas in their opener against the Philippines on Sunday after almost 10 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Montemurro added: “We see the brilliance of a very good player; she is playing freely and that is what we want her to do… if she is happy, I am happy.”
While Australia proved to be a couple of levels above Iran, head coach Marziyeh Jafari insisted that these are the type of matches that her side need to contest in order to raise their own levels.
Making their second appearance at the tournament after debuting in 2022, Team Melli Banovan displayed plenty of spirit and resilience in defeats to both Korea Republic and Australia.
Making their second appearance at the tournament after debuting in 2022, Team Melli Banovan displayed plenty of spirit and resilience in defeats to both Korea Republic and Australia.
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“It is a very good opportunity for us to play these tough games, it helps women’s football in Iran (to develop),” the 43-year-old said. “Football in Iran is (still) newborn and we need to participate in these great tournaments… I think we are at a good level (but playing here), it helps us get experience and get better step by step.
“We had a very tough match, with tough weather conditions; in the changing room, we struggled with injuries (as well and) we know it is tough and we know they tried their best… (and) I appreciate the fans who supported us in Australia.”
“We had a very tough match, with tough weather conditions; in the changing room, we struggled with injuries (as well and) we know it is tough and we know they tried their best… (and) I appreciate the fans who supported us in Australia.”
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Jafari must have looked on with some envy at the options available to Montemurro, who elaborated on the thought process behind assembling the Australia squad for this edition, using two-goal heroine Alanna Kennedy as an example.
“I have probably created the headache for myself by picking players that are of a high quality and playing at the highest levels,” the 56-year-old smiled. “I think the important thing in formulating the squad was to give us different options and qualities of profile. Alanna, she has got certain profiles as a ‘six’ in terms of sitting in front of the back three or four and being able to distribute and play. But also, her timing of getting forward is so important, as you saw tonight.
“So, it is like… all these riches of different profiles… that if we need to adjust certain things during the game, it is important (that I can)... I am blessed to have those options.”
“I have probably created the headache for myself by picking players that are of a high quality and playing at the highest levels,” the 56-year-old smiled. “I think the important thing in formulating the squad was to give us different options and qualities of profile. Alanna, she has got certain profiles as a ‘six’ in terms of sitting in front of the back three or four and being able to distribute and play. But also, her timing of getting forward is so important, as you saw tonight.
“So, it is like… all these riches of different profiles… that if we need to adjust certain things during the game, it is important (that I can)... I am blessed to have those options.”
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Kennedy, who scored two well-taken strikes for her first international brace to take her tally to 14 in 144 caps, was pleased to get the three points and also had some encouragement for the Iranians.
“There are things we could improve but going into the next match, that was job done (tonight) and we are looking to grow and be even better in the next match,” said the 31-year-old London City Lionesses player, who was one of the line-up changes.
“For me, it was just to keep things simple, grow into the game and do the role that I've been asked, to sit and be an anchor in that ‘six’ role… obviously for me, scoring is not something that I do often, but I was happy to get a couple of goals as well.
“I guess it is a privilege to know that they look up to some of the players in the (Australia) team and yeah, a lot of respect to them for the courage and bravery it takes to be here tonight.”
“There are things we could improve but going into the next match, that was job done (tonight) and we are looking to grow and be even better in the next match,” said the 31-year-old London City Lionesses player, who was one of the line-up changes.
“For me, it was just to keep things simple, grow into the game and do the role that I've been asked, to sit and be an anchor in that ‘six’ role… obviously for me, scoring is not something that I do often, but I was happy to get a couple of goals as well.
“I guess it is a privilege to know that they look up to some of the players in the (Australia) team and yeah, a lot of respect to them for the courage and bravery it takes to be here tonight.”
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