Green and Gold Game-Changers

Chris Brookes interviews Australia head coach Alen Stajcic, who since 2014 has overseen two AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals and last-eight finishes at the 2015 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. He argues maturity underpins the Matildas’ high-intensity attacking style, the average age having risen from around 21 to the mid-twenties with most key players several years into overseas competitions. Stajcic favours players who back themselves in one-against-one duels, citing Caitlin Foord, Lisa De Vanna and Ellie Carpenter, and calls Sam Kerr without question the world’s most dangerous player in the front third while explaining why she is overlooked for major awards. He praises compatriots Joe Montemurro and Tanya Oxtoby in the WSL, argues Australia must work harder for football respect, and looks ahead to France with debutant Mary Fowler.