Tony Gustavsson was searching for solutions.
However, he encountered more uncertainties after a mixed performance by the Matildas in their 1-1 draw with China on Friday night.
The main concern is the fitness of star striker Caitlin Foord, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Foord’s role in the upcoming Olympics is crucial, especially with Sam Kerr unavailable due to a knee injury.
Unfortunately, the Arsenal player is expected to miss the Matildas’ final warm-up match before the Olympic Games, a rematch against China on Monday night in Sydney.
“Hopefully it’s not too serious,” Gustavsson mentioned after the game.
“But I must emphasize that if there is any risk, I will not risk playing a player like that in the second match as our main goal is to finish this camp without any injuries.”
Foord came on as a substitute in the second half but had to leave the field after just 15 minutes at Adelaide Oval.
The Matildas salvaged a draw thanks to a last-minute goal from Michelle Heyman.
Gustavsson experimented with the starting lineup in search of answers for the four undecided positions in the squad for the Olympics.
He chose to rest some key players in the first half, including Foord, Steph Catley, Ellie Carpenter, and Hayley Raso.
The coach was quick to notice the consequences: a disjointed performance.
“We were trying to find answers,” Gustavsson explained.
“We had almost six different starters compared to the usual lineup from the World Cup last year.”
“We wanted to assess players for selection.
“This influenced the game with new player combinations on the right side, left side, and in midfield – a lot of new elements.”
“It was apparent that the team lacked its usual cohesion and connection.”
When the key players entered the field for the final 35 minutes, the team started to click.
“We faced some challenges going into this match,” Gustavsson admitted.
“Some A-League players hadn’t played in a while, so they were not in top form.”
“Some European-based players were fatigued from the end of their season and travel.
“We needed to strike a balance, and while I’m not making excuses, that’s how we felt as coaches.”
“In the first half, we seemed a bit fatigued and lacked our usual aggression … we played too slowly.”
