The Conclusion of the Matildas’ Paris 2024™ Olympic Campaign
The journey of the Matildas at the Paris 2024™ Olympic Games has officially concluded. Regrettably, the team did not progress to the Quarter Finals, despite their best efforts on the field.
This outcome is undeniably disheartening for not only the team and their loyal fans, but also for the entire Australian football community. The team’s primary objective was to surpass their fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020™. Although this Olympic campaign did not unfold as anticipated, Football Australia remains exceedingly proud of the dedication and hard work exhibited by the Matildas throughout the qualification period and the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
Subsequent to the conclusion of the Matildas’ Olympic campaign, Head Coach Tony Gustavsson’s four-year contract with Football Australia has also concluded by mutual agreement. Gustavsson took the opportunity to address the players and staff following the final group stage match against the United States, bidding them farewell and extending best wishes for their future endeavors.
CEO James Johnson expressed his sentiments regarding Gustavsson’s departure. “Tony (Gustavsson) has played an integral role in the Matildas’ journey over the past four years, achieving a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020™ Olympics and preparing for the FIFA World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™. We express our gratitude for his strong contribution, passion, and dedication during that time and wish him every success for the future.”
“While our Olympic Games campaign has concluded, we commend the dedication of our players and staff,” Johnson added. “The Matildas have demonstrated resilience throughout the qualification run and the tournament in France. This group of players has made a significant impact on Australian football over the past four years, and we are eagerly anticipating the next four-year cycle of the team.”
In line with Football Australia’s commitment to continuous improvement, a comprehensive review of the campaign will be undertaken, as is customary for all national teams following the conclusion of tournaments and each cycle. This review aims to identify areas for improvement and ensure the team is well-prepared for future challenges. The process for the recruitment of the Matildas head coach will also commence immediately.
In a heartfelt message, Tony Gustavsson reflected on his time as the head coach of the Matildas. “It has been a great honor and privilege to have been able to be the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years,” he expressed. “This journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure. Thank you to the incredible players for letting me play a small part in their stories, my staff for being beside me every step of the way, Football Australia for backing our vision for this team, the Australian football family for embracing me, and the Australian public for the tremendous support.”
Gustavsson added, “Australian football will be forever in my heart, and I will be watching on and cheering on your success in the future.”
In conclusion, Johnson expressed gratitude to the devoted fans: “We extend our thanks to our fans back home in Australia and to the thousands that traveled to France to support our team. Your unwavering support and dedication to the team has been truly inspirational.”
Looking ahead, Football Australia is now focused on the Matildas’ program over the coming months and toward the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ 2026, which is set to take place on home soil. The team will continue to work diligently and strive for success in the upcoming tournaments.
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