2023 Women's World Cup: Gustavsson Backs Matildas' Attack To Cage Super Falcons

2023 Women's World Cup: Gustavsson Backs Matildas' Attack To Cage Super Falcons

Ibrahim Lateef 

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson insists he has the attacking quality to beat Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday despite missing star duo Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gustavsson played down Tuesday's closed training incidents that decimated his attacking stocks when Fowler and defender Aivi Luik suffered mild concussions in separate incidents.

The mentor refused to go into specifics of the concussions which happened six days after Kerr injured her calf in the warm-up of the final training session before Australia's 1-0 Women's World Cup opening win over Ireland.

"I totally understand if you didn't see the training and if I were you sitting out there I would go 'like what the heck is happening in training? Two concussions in one training two days out from the game'. But it was a completely normal training," Gustavsson told reporters on Wednesday.

"Two days out you always have a high-intensity medium-size game. We play eight-v-eight, high intensity. Everything was good. We were unlucky.

"Unfortunately two head knocks ... but pure (bad) luck.

"We didn't do anything different than normal and we were a bit unlucky this time.

"Two separate incidents - it's a bit to be unreal to be honest, I've never experienced anything like it."

Caitlin Foord is the only recognised striker available against Nigeria, with Kerr (calf), Kyah Simon (knee) and Fowler all sidelined.

Gustavsson defended his gamble to carry Simon through the group stage, with a view to using her as an impact substitute later.

"I'm never going to regret picking Kyah," Gustavsson said.

Playmaker Emily van Egmond could replace Fowler and line up alongside Foord while Tameka Yallop, who has recovered from a corked thigh, and Alex Chidiac are other options to come in.

"Sometimes you're unlucky and you need to deal with the cards you're handed and we're ready to play those cards," Gustavsson said.