The Matildas faced a disappointing end to their SheBelieves Cup campaign, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Colombia in San Diego. This loss marked their third consecutive defeat in the tournament, leaving the team without a win and raising concerns about their performance ahead of the upcoming Asian Cup.

• The Matildas finished last in the SheBelieves Cup, losing all three matches.
• Ellie Carpenter was substituted due to injury, adding to the team’s woes.
• Interim coach Tom Sermanni will lead the team in upcoming friendlies against South Korea.

Match Overview

In a match held at Snapdragon Stadium, the Matildas struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Colombian side. Colombia took the lead in the 15th minute with a stunning strike from Wendy Bonilla, who capitalized on a defensive error by Australia. Despite a spirited effort, the Matildas were unable to convert their chances into goals.

Australia equalized in the 69th minute through Hayley Raso, whose deflected shot found the back of the net. However, the joy was short-lived as Catalina Usme scored the winner for Colombia just four minutes later, sealing the Matildas’ fate.

Performance Analysis

The Matildas’ performance throughout the tournament has raised eyebrows, particularly given their lack of a permanent head coach. The team has now lost eight of their last 13 matches, prompting calls from fans for Football Australia to expedite the search for a new manager.

• Goals Scored in the last three matches: 2
• Goals received in the last three matches: 8

Looking Ahead

With the Asian Cup just a year away, the Matildas must regroup and address their shortcomings. The upcoming friendlies against South Korea in April will be crucial for the team to regain confidence and build momentum. Interim coach Tom Sermanni expressed frustration over the recent results but remains hopeful for improvement.

The Matildas’ SheBelieves Cup campaign has been a wake-up call, highlighting the need for strategic changes and a renewed focus on performance. As they prepare for future challenges, the team will need to harness their potential and work towards a successful showing in the Asian Cup.

Sources

• Colombia Downs Australia 2-1 to Finish Third at 2025 SheBelieves Cup, Presented by Visa | U.S. Soccer Official Website, US Soccer.
• Matildas v Colombia LIVE updates: SheBelieves Cup scores, results, games, teams, odds, how to watch, The Age.
• Australia 1-2 Colombia: Matildas end SheBelieves Cup with third defeat – as it happened | Matildas | The Guardian, The Guardian.