Matildas Shine Bright as Montemurro Era Kicks Off with Dominant Win
Wow, what a night for the Matildas — and what a way to kick off a brand-new era under head coach Joe Montemurro! If you caught the game at HBF Park in Perth, you’d know exactly what I mean. Australia took on Slovenia in their first match under Montemurro, and they didn’t just win — they owned it, walking away with a confident 3-0 victory. That’s not just a scoreline, it’s a statement.
The energy from the very first whistle was electric. Emily Gielnik made sure the scoreboard ticked early, finding the back of the net just three minutes in. It was a bit scrappy, with her getting two chances in the box after a corner, but the second shot was unstoppable. Slovenia’s defenders weren’t happy and protested, but it stood — and rightfully so. Gielnik looked fired up, returning to the national side with real purpose, and her connection with her teammates was evident all over the pitch.
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But let’s not pretend it was all smooth sailing. The Matildas had a few shaky moments in defence, especially in the first half. Slovenia managed some pressure with a few corners and shots on goal, even rattling the crossbar at one stage. Tegan Micah, standing tall in goal, kept Australia’s clean sheet intact with some composed keeping, including a vital stop when Lara Prasnikar was gifted a golden opportunity.
Then came the substitutions, and with them, fresh legs and new spark. One of the brightest moments of the night was Holly McNamara’s goal — her first ever in the green and gold. After three ACL injuries and endless hard work, you could just feel the emotion in her celebration. It came late in the match, assisted by none other than Hayley Raso, who had just returned from injury herself. But Raso wasn’t done — moments later, she capitalized on a Slovenian defensive lapse and drove one home herself, sealing the 3-0 win.
This game wasn’t just about the score. It marked a new chapter for the Matildas, showing what’s possible under Montemurro’s leadership. The squad looked hungry, fluid, and ready to take things to another level. You could sense belief in every pass, in every tackle, and in every celebration. And while there are definitely some areas to tighten — particularly in the back line — this performance sets a powerful tone heading into their second clash with Slovenia this Sunday.
For fans, this is a time to get excited. The Montemurro era has begun, and if this first game is anything to go by, it’s going to be one thrilling ride.
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