Ange Postecoglou’s future in charge of Tottenham continues to be called into question after a picture going viral online hinted his fate may already be sealed.
A poor domestic campaign has seen the North London side drop to 14th place in the Premier League while they are eliminated from both local cup competitions, in what has been a campaign to forget for the Aussie manager.
The Europa League is currently Spurs’ only chance at silverware this campaign and it is widely believed he will be sacked if they fail to lift the trophy.
However, a recent photo circulating online has raised the question of whether Postecoglou could be headed out the door irrespective of whether or not Spurs go all the way in the European competition.
A picture circulating online suggests Ange Postecoglou could be set to be axed. Image: Getty/Football Classified on XSource: Supplied
A picture of Tottenham owner Daniel Levy sharing a coffee with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has sent social media into a spin.
When the photo was taken remains unclear. It is yet to be verified whether it is a new photo or whether it was taken when Pochettino was in charge of Spurs.
What has thrust the image into the spotlight, regardless of timing, is recent comments from the Argentinian who said he hopes to return to the North London club in the future.
“When I left the club I always remember one interview I said I would like one day to come back to Tottenham,” he told Sky Sports last week.
“I am in the USA, so I am not going to talk about that now – but what I said then I still, after six years or five years, feel in my heart. Yes, I would like one day to come back.
“Not because of my ego, it’s because my feeling is I would like one day to win with Tottenham.”
Pochettino was in charge of Tottenham between 2014 and 2019 — the most stable reign for any Spurs manager in recent history.
Since leaving the club in 2019, Spurs went on to hire four full-time managers: Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, Antonio Conte and Postecoglou.
Mauricio Pochettino could be brought in to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images )Source: Getty Images
53-year-old Pochettino enjoyed a relatively successful time at the helm despite failing to bring the club any silverware. He led the team to the 2015 EFL Cup final, a 2019 Champions League final and a second-place finish in the 2016-17 Premier League season.
But while many fans are calling for Postecoglou to be removed and Pochettino to return, BBC Sports reports it would come at an almighty cost.
The news outlet reports if Levy were to sack Pochettino he would be required to pay the US “one of the biggest compensation fees in football history”, with the sum suggested to be close to $40 million.
Regardless of Pochettino’s availability, Postecoglou remains in a scrap to save his job with a crucial quarter final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt from April 11 crticial.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown said Spurs simply must regain regular winning form fron now until May for Postecoglou to stand any chance.
“Tottenham, unless they put a run together from now to the end of the season, you would think that things might happen [to Postecoglou] there in terms of the sack for the manager,” he told Football Insider.
He added that Spurs sources have told him that Fulham boss Marco Silva is “top of the pops” to replace the Australian.
Iran became the second Asian side to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan in Tehran, handing organisers a likely diplomatic headache.
Iran, the second-highest ranked AFC side in the FIFA standings, needed only a point to join Japan in qualifying for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran will, however, head to North America with relations strained as US President Donald Trump takes a hard line over opening new nuclear talks with Tehran.
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The Group A leaders were made to work hard at the Azadi Stadium by upward-trending Uzbekistan, with Mehdi Taremi scoring seven minutes from time – his second of the match – to seal the point.
“We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed,” said Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Seeking to qualify for a first World Cup, Uzbekistan opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Khojimat Erkinov, before Inter Milan striker Taremi scored his first of the night shortly after half time.
Parity lasted only one minute, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev restoring Uzbekistan’s lead.
Again, Taremi was the man to pull his team back into the game and ultimately book a spot in North America, when he finished past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov late on.
Iran will be appearing at a fourth successive World Cup and seventh in all. Taremi expressed his “happiness” with the result but admitted his team had “tactical problems” after conceding twice.
Uzbekistan remain on course for an inaugural appearance at the finals. Sitting second on 17 points, they require a win from the concluding double-header in June either away to third-placed UAE or at home to Qatar, in fourth.
The UAE climbed to four points behind Uzbekistan following their 2-1 victory in injury time against North Korea in Riyadh, with Qatar three points further back after their 3-1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.
The top two go straight to the World Cup, with teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups entering a further round of qualifying.
Iran’s players celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. (Photo by AFP)Source: AFPIran’s players celebrate after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. (Photo by AFP)Source: AFP
Earlier on Tuesday, the Socceroos beat China 2-0 to boost their chances of automatic qualification, but Saudi Arabia stayed in touch in Group C with a goalless draw in Japan.
Australia’s victory, courtesy of first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay, left the Socceroos second in Group C on 13 points with two to play, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia with a much better goal difference. Japan are already sure to finish top.
Australia host Japan and travel to Saudi Arabia for their final qualifiers in June, leaving the race for the second direct qualification place on a knife edge. China stay bottom on six points, but they can progress to a further qualifying stage by finishing third or fourth.
Indonesia moved into fourth on nine points thanks to a 1-0 win over Bahrain. Oxford United forward Ole Romeny scored his second goal in as many games to give Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert his first victory since becoming manager.
In Group B, Son Heung-min’s South Korea remain top and favourites to progress, but they put in another toothless performance as they were held at home for the second match in a row – this time 1-1 by Jordan.
Iraq could have gained ground but conceded late twice to lose 2-1 to Palestine in Amman.
One-nil down from the 34th minute, Palestine equalised two minutes from time before grabbing a winner in the 97th minute, for their first victory of the third round.
Iraq stay third and one point behind second-placed Jordan, who are three off the summit.
Leaders South Korea face a tricky trip to Basra in June before a final home clash against Kuwait.
Oman are fourth on 10 points following their 1-0 win against Kuwait in Ardhiyah, with Palestine fifth and Kuwait rooted to the bottom.
TEAMS QUALIFIED FOR THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP SO FAR
New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia but lost in-form Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to injury.
The All Whites join already qualified Japan and co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at next year’s finals thanks to three second-half goals.
But the victory in Auckland in the final of Oceania qualifying came at a cost, with skipper Wood suffering what appeared to be a hip injury.
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New Zealand’s Chris Wood goes down injured during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers group final football match between New Zealand and New Caledonia at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on March 24, 2025. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND / AFP)Source: AFP
Soon after half time at Eden Park, Wood hurt himself swivelling for a shot and required treatment before hobbling off in the 54th minute.
“It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well,” said New Zealand’s English coach Darren Bazeley.
The hosts looked out of ideas after dominating the first half, but then up popped veteran defender Michael Boxall on 61 minutes to head home from a corner with his first goal for his country.
Five minutes later Wood’s replacement Kosta Barbarouses chipped the ball over advancing New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine.
Substitute Eli Just put gloss on the scoreline from close range with 10 minutes left.
New Caledonia’s unlikely World Cup hopes are not over and they will go into an intercontinental playoff.
Next year’s World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the first time for the team that won the qualifying competition in Oceania.
The region’s top side previously had to go through an intercontinental playoff, with New Zealand falling at the final hurdle to Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru in recent editions.
New Zealand have been to the World Cup twice before, in 1982 and 2010, but are yet to win at the competition in six matches.
“Once the World Cup expanded we expected this of ourselves,” said Boxall. “It’s not about getting there, it’s about what we do when we get there.”
Chris Wood acknowledges the crowd after their victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers group final football match between New Zealand and New Caledonia at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on March 24, 2025. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND / AFP)Source: AFP
Facing a side ranked 152 in the world, 63 places below them, hosts New Zealand immediately went on the front foot.
New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory of about 300,000 people which has never been to the World Cup, twice cleared off the line in quick succession after 20 minutes.
Wood, who is in the form of his life at Forest with 18 goals in the Premier League this season, had a chance in the 32nd minute but Nyikeine saved comfortably.
The 33-year-old Wood then headed over the bar from a corner and at the half-time whistle, with the game unexpectedly level, the New Caledonia players mobbed Nyikeine.
Bazeley had seen enough and made two changes at the break, bringing on winger Just and defender Francis de Vries.
Despite losing talisman Wood, New Zealand’s pressure eventually paid off against a rapidly tiring New Caledonia to put the All Whites into the World Cup.
WARNING: This article contains language that some readers may find offensive
Comments live on-air from Triple M radio personality Marty Sheargold about Australia’s Matildas have been blasted as “disgusting” and “a f**king joke” — with the comedian since apologising, while Football Australia called the incident “deeply disappointing”.
The Matildas, Australia’s wildly popular national football side, are in the United States competing in the annual SheBelieves Cup along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.
When the Triple M program and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, began discussing the Tillies’ results in the tournament on Monday afternoon, the host took the opportunity to express his feelings towards the team and women’s sport in general.
It’s understood the station has been flooded with complaints after the comments were posted on social media late on Tuesday.
Listen to part of the comments in the player below
The Matildas following their loss to the United States on Tuesday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
It’s worth noting that when Sheargold began Monday’s show, he started with the message to listeners: “Little ears warning for the following podcast.
“It’s probably not for kids, there’s some adult concepts, not just today, every day.
“Buyer beware as they say.”
But we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether that is warning enough for what transpired live on Monday afternoon.
The discussion between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralson began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date.
“In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” Ralston said.
Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying – unintentionally or otherwise – the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold began.
“They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background.
“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch’.
“Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.”
Triple M radio and podcast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
The broadcaster and actor announced at the time he was taking an extended break to spend more time with family and “prioritise self-care (and) maintaining a better work/life balance”.
Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”
Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out.
After a conversation about Sam Kerr and her partner, American footballer Kristie Mewis, which included Sheargold’s question “do they play the same position?”, Ralson tried again to keep the bulletin moving.
Kristie Mewis (left) and Sam Kerr were also discussed on the program. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” he said.
Sheargold responded: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” as a sound affect and more laughs were heard.
“Got any men’s sport?”
Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair.”
“Now this is a good story,” Sheargold responded.
The exchange came to light after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of it on TikTok with the following caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.
Tokyo Olympian Ambrosia Malone posted some of the comments on social media. Picture: Alex Coppel.Source: News Corp Australia
“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) on the way to training and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions hearing this.
“I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused … I was in disbelief.
“This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio??? HOW??”
She added: “I’d name the station and speaker, but I don’t want to reward their behaviour with publicity.”
There was a strong reaction on the platform, with many stating the same disbelief at the comments and asking for the station to be named.
“It’s worth lodging a complaint about this,” was one reply. “If you provide the station and time then I’m sure a few people would be interested in also lodging a complaint.”
Marty Sheargold and Mary Fowler. Photo: Triple M and Mark King, Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Another wrote: “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.”
“This CAN’T be real,” added a third.
After the station and host was added to the comments, a vast number confirmed they had lodged a complaint with Triple M.
News.com.au has reached out to Triple M for comment.
Meanwhile, more prominent female athletes voiced their anger.
Swimming great Libby Trickett commented: “I’m livid. It’s 2025 and this isn’t funny.”
Netballer Gretel Bueta commented “Yuk”, while Diamonds great Bianca Chatfield left an angry face emoji.
Sheargold has apologised amid the backlash, claimed his joke missed the mark.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise,’’ he said.
Triple M distanced itself from the comments, without indicating whether any disciplinary action would be taken against Sheargold.
An SCA spokesperson said: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas — made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February — do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports. We are sorry for any offence caused.”
Football Australia later issued a statement.
“Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the CommBank Matildas. Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society.
“The CommBank Matildas have inspired a new generation of Australians from young boys and girls to men and women who now see a future for themselves in football and sport more broadly. They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women’s sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned.
“While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women’s sport and its participants. Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.”
Galatasaray have vowed to file a criminal complaint against Jose Mourinho amid claims he made “racist statements” after Monday’s Istanbul derby.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce side drew 0-0 away with their bitter Turkish rivals but the match was overshadowed by allegations of racism.
Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Mourinho claimed after the stalemate that Galatasaray had tried to get one of his team booked early on, The Sun reports.
He told a press conference that “everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys”.
Galatasaray immediately hit back and accused the Portuguese manager, 62, of “regularly using derogatory words towards the Turkish people” since moving to Istanbul.
In a damning statement, accompanied by a #SayNoToRacism tag, the reigning Turkish champions added: “[He] has now added inhumane rhetoric to his immoral statements.
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“We would like to inform you that we will file a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office and that we will also file a complaint with UEFA and FIFA regarding these racist statements against Jose Mourinho.
“Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce — an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’— in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.”
Fenerbahce’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho looks on from the technical area during the UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-off 2nd leg football match between Fenerbahce SK (TUR) and RSC Anderlecht (BEL) at the Lotto Park Stadium in Brussels, on February 20, 2025. (Photo by Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP)Source: AFP
In his post-match press conference, Mourinho claimed Galatasary players had played for a draw and tried to get one of his players a yellow card.
Praising Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who was reportedly drafted in from abroad following a string of controversies surrounding Turkish officials, Mourinho said: “The reason this was a good match was because of the referee’s performance.
“He had enough honesty to manage this match well. They tried to get a yellow card for our 18-year-old player from the first minute, but the referee managed the game well.”
However, it was his comments that followed which are believed to have caused uproar.
Mourinho continued: “In the situation I mentioned, everyone on the opposing bench was jumping around like monkeys.
“If it were a Turkish referee, they would have immediately given the card, and I would have had to take the player off in a minute.
“It was a great match for him.”
Thirty thousand police were deployed. Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
“After the match, I went to the referee’s room. I said to the first referee, ‘Thank you for managing this big match well.’
“I said to the [Turkish] fourth official, ‘If it was you, this match would have been a disaster’. It was a very, very good match in terms of emotion and competition.”
Mourinho is yet to respond to the allegations made against him. The former Manchester United boss has previously spoken out on how football is plagued by racist incidents.
The feisty derby saw seven yellow cards dished out, and the match was also stopped momentarily when Fenerbahce fans launched flares into the home fans beneath them.
Some 30,000 police officers were believed to be on duty for Monday night’s match.
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen later shared his club’s statement to his Instagram story.
Mourinho had previously criticised Osimhen for his on-pitch antics, labelling him a fantastic player, but claiming he “dives too much”.
Jose Mourinho is a multiple Premier League winning manager. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk later took aim at the “Special One” for going into the referee’s dressing room to talk to him.
Buruk said: “Mourinho took a long time to cry. The Crying One… He’s famous for crying. He went into the referee’s room and cried. Let him keep crying.
“Mourinho entered the referee’s room. It is very wrong for him to speak insultingly to the Turkish referee. He said that if they were the ones managing, it would be like this.
“This is very wrong. I cannot believe that he is humiliating the Turkish referees so much, I condemn it.”
Former Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss Mourinho took over at Fenerbahce last year.
Monday’s result leaves them in second place, six points behind Galatasaray with 12 Super Lig games remaining.
— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission
The Matildas are still searching for a win in the SheBelieves Cup and while it was a gutsy 2-1 fightback against the No.1 team in the world, the USA, it threatens to disguise the biggest problem Football Australia is yet to solve; who will coach the Matildas?
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Even Sam Kerr’s court case in London proved a convenient distraction with the talking point both heading into this tournament, and after their opening 4-0 loss to Japan, centring around the injured skipper. Was the Kerr case a distraction? Should she still be captain? They were just some of the repetitive headlines.
Now the narrative needs to turn to the fact that the Matildas still don’t have a long term coach.
This is nothing against interim coach Tom Sermanni, who has been an incredible servant to the women’s game for 12 years with this, his third stint as the Matildas mentor. But the Australian National Team needs stability, longevity, strategic planning and fresh ideas.
They need a full time coach.
It’s been seven months since Tony Gustavsson finished his four-year stint — the most important tenure in Matildas history with the home World Cup in 2023 — with no word yet on any replacement.
For context, when Graham Arnold quit as Socceroos coach in September, they hired Tony Popovic four days later. The Socceroos had World Cup qualifiers and needed to fill the hole fast, but the Matildas have their own deadline with the Asian Cup, which is being held on home soil next March.
The Matildas won the Asian Cup in 2010 but failed to make it past the quarterfinals at the last Cup in 2022. The stakes are high. The commercial success of the Matildas has never been greater. The team created a tidal wave of excitement and interest from the Australian public like we’ve never seen before during their successful World Cup campaign in 2023. And if there is one thing that sustains that passion, it’s winning.
We have another opportunity to relive the Matildas hysteria and fandom of 2023 when we host next year’s Asian Cup. There’s a real opportunity to again create something special during the tournament and preserve the Matildas legacy. The packed stadiums, strong viewership and water cooler conversations can become the platforms to inspire and be a national source of pride. Not just strong performances, but winning scorelines, are essential to that success.
It was also widely expected Gustavsson wouldn’t be back after his contract came to an end, meaning either the search should have started much sooner or it’s taking way too long.
There’s been little said about FA’s shortlist. From what we do know, representatives have been reported as saying they were hoping to speak to the England Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman. Yet Wiegman is contracted to the World Cup Finalists until 2027 and is in the midst of preparing for the women’s Euros 2025 where they’re hoping to defend their title. The Euros final also isn’t until the end of July, leaving it very late for discussions and a possible, but improbable, move.
There were also rumours Football Australia was interested in former Manchester United women and San Diego Waves coach Casey Stoney although she has recently been appointed as the Canadian women’s head coach.
Closer to home, Ross Aloisi, Ante Juric and former Matilda Tanya Oxtoby were also reportedly being considered despite Oxtoby being contracted as the Northern Ireland women’s coach until 2027.
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Another woman in the pathways system, Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney took up a position as the Japanese Assistant Coach earlier this year.
The Matildas World Cup legacy is at risk if a coaching solution isn’t found soon. Commentator Grace Gill raised the concern after the Matildas loss to the USA.
“I think another thing the USA has is a coach (Emma Hayes) who is backed, who is there for the future, who has got these grand plans and we’re seeing those plans start to fall into place. Tommy Sermanni is in a position where he’s the interim coach, we know he’s not there long term,” Gill said.
“So in the way we saw such experimentation by Emma Hayes she’s got that backing, she’s got that support, you can see the federation is there saying ‘yep we’re behind you’ bringing in the 17s, the 20s, the senior team in the US altogether.
“Imagine that happening in Australia our 17s training with our senior team so there’s this stylistic pathway up from our juniors, our grassroots. These are grand plans, grand ambitions but Emma Hayes has that backing and Tom Sermanni is a little hamstrung in how much he can do while he is in the job.”
Former Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes only started as the USA coach a year ago and has already blooded 15 debutants and is unbeaten in 17 games.
The clock is ticking to fill the vacant coaching position and there’s so much more than just a game to lose for the Matildas.
The Matildas have been given a reality check just over 12-months out from the Asian Cup on home soil with their defending in a 4-0 defeat to Japan at the SheBelieves Cup labelled “un-Australian” by interim coach Tom Sermanni.
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The gulf in class between the two sides in Houston could not have been more evident as Australia succumbed to its largest ever losing margin to its biggest regional rival.
If they’re to lift the Asian Cup next year then improvement in every facet of the game will be needed. This performance will either prove to be just a bad day at the office or an almighty warning sign.
The only positive from a dire outing is that the flaws have been ruthlessly exposed now when there’s still more than enough time to turn things around.
It was tough watching for interim coach Tom Sermanni.
This was the seventh match of his third stint in charge of the national side and it ended with the biggest defeat of that period.
The 70-year-old has a unique way of delivering bad news in a polite way, but even his assessment of the performance against Japan landed like a sledgehammer.
There are few things that hit home more than being labelled “un-Australian,” but there could be no other assessment of the Matildas effort without the ball in his 145th match at the helm of the Matildas.
“We want to be a team that is hard to beat and to be honest today, we really gave up some soft goals,” Sermanni said.
“I just felt some of the goals that we gave up were very poor, and that’s kind of un-Australian.”
The Matildas were dealt a reality check.Source: AFP
A CLASH OF STYLES
The opening five minutes of the match told the story of the entire game.
Japan retained possession with poise, patience and a huge dose of technical skill. The Matildas, in contrast, routinely turned the ball over on the back of a relentless and organised Japan press.
It was 2-0 at half-time but could’ve easily have been more and Japan’s third goal in the 52nd minute came off the back of a free-flowing 14-pass move that culminated with Maika Hamano being able to almost walk the ball into the back of the net.
“Sometimes you just have to sit back say ‘you know what, we were just played off the field today’ and that’s what we were,” Sermanni said.
“They were quicker to every ball, they kept possession fantastically; when we tried to press, they broke out of the press, when we sat back they managed to play through us so sometimes you have one of those games.
“I’d like to give you X, Y and Z as to why it happened, but in reality, they were just very, very good today and we were a bit off.”
Strangely, the Matildas were second best when it came to aerial challenges as well.
Japan’s fourth goal, which came via a Moeka Minami header, was one of many duels Australia lost in the air. It was uncharacteristic to say the least. They’re moments that even on a bad day the Matildas are usually in control of.
“I just felt some of the goals that we gave up were very poor,” was Sermanni’s assessment.
Physicality and intensity are the fallbacks when tactically things aren’t going to plan for Australia, but those attributes are only able to be applied when you can get near your opponent. That was something that proved out of reach.
The Matildas gameplan seemed to revolve around trying to win possession off long balls and playing off the back of that higher up the pitch and out of danger.
Japan produced a masterclass that was in complete contrast.
Their technical ability allowed them to keep the ball for long periods of time, shifting the Matildas defensive formation around until an opening appeared which they exposed with efficiency.
Sermanni, when asked where it all went wrong, didn’t try to deflect or make excuses.
“We were outplayed football wise, we were outplayed physically, we were outplayed, I think, mentally and outplayed in our decision making.”
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 20: Holly McNamara controls the ball against Yui Hasegawa.Source: AFP
ONE SHOT FOR THE MATCH
The statistical summation of the game doesn’t make for pretty reading for Australia.
The lone shot at goal came in the 87th minute and off the boot of left back Charli Grant, who was a second-half substitute for captain Steph Catley.
The attempt cannoned into the crossbar, but as spectacular as it would’ve been had it nestled into the back of the net, it still would’ve been little more than a consolation goal.
Grant’s effort came on the end of a nine pass move that followed a near miss-kick from Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold that offered Japan the chance to make it 5-0.
It was a rare moment of cohesion from a side that looked largely disjointed.
Japan finished with 18 shots and 8 on target.
MARY FOWLER
Fowler is one of the most technically gifted players in the Australian set-up but finding ways to get her into the game in green and gold has been problematic.
She came into this tournament with three goals and five assists from her last four games for club side Manchester City. It gave her the honour of being the first player in the history of the Women’s Super League to record at least two goal involvements in four straight matches.
This loss doesn’t fall on Fowler’s shoulders by any stretch, but the question of how to ensure she can have the most impact on matches remains unsolved.
The 22-year-old was able to get on the ball more in the second half, but a lack of possession from Australia more generally, hindered her ability to hurt Japan.
A fully firing Fowler isn’t the answer to all of Australia’s problems, but it certainly is part of the jigsaw.
THE SELECTION TABLE
Sermanni named a full-strength side to face Japan.
If this was the Asian Cup final then the team the Matildas would put out would be almost the same.
There’d be a lineball call on whether Sharn Freier, Kaitlyn Torpey or Tameka Yallop started on the left, but apart from that the starting eleven would be identical if everyone was fit and available for selection.
A performance that led to a defeat like this with an experimental side would be understandable.
This result against Australia’s best possible side is problematic.
“It was a pretty huge wake-up call I think,” Sermanni said.
City sliced and diced by Mbappe hattrick | 02:18
THE NEW KIT
On a day when Football Australia launched its new kit there was a frustrating sense of familiarity to the Matildas’ struggles in possession against a highly technical opponent.
That had nothing to do with the strip of course.
The jersey has been met with mixed reviews online, but Australian football fans might just find it grows on them.
Some kits look better on the field with shorts and socks included than hanging on the rack at your local retail outlet.
This one has the feel of being a collector’s item in 20-years-time, similar to the jersey worn by the Socceroos between 1990 and 1993 which is sought after right now.
Give it time.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The Matildas have just three days to learn and move on from this result before running into tournament hosts America in Glendale, Arizona on Monday morning (AEDT).
Sermanni, who is holding the fort while Football Australia continues its search for Tony Gustavsson’s full-time replacement, has his work cut out for him.
“As a professional you need to bounce back after bad results and this will be a good test and probably a benchmark for the team to see if we’re able to do that in the next two games,” he said.
As affable as the interim is, he has left his players in no doubt as to what is now required.
In a match between the world No. 8 Japanese and No. 15 Aussies, it looked like it would have been a close match as the Matildas look to put a dire 2024 behind them.
Unfortunately, it was a horror show in the Matildas’ first match since December as Asia’s true powerhouse put the Aussies to the sword.
The result was the biggest ever loss by the Matildas to Japan and should have been much worse with some terrible shots, but what was worse was that the Aussies quite literally didn’t even fire a shot, with no shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes.
At halftime, the commentators were stunned by the 2-0 deficit, with calls for the Matildas to break out of their malaise.
Host Tara Rushton said it was “difficult to watch”.
“It looks like a team that doesn’t really know where they’re at with each other, and a little bit flat and bereft of energy.”
Aussie football veteran Andy Harper agreed.
“This was beyond less than acceptable. This is nowhere near good enough,” he said on Paramount+.
“Tom Sermanni came in, wanted to build stability with this first game, get off to a winning start. This team knows each other intimately. There’s almost 1000 caps spread across … this is so far away from being an acceptable first half of football from our national team in a preparation for an Asian Cup which we’re hosting.”
The Matildas were thrashed by Japan. Photo: Jack Gorman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Former Matilda Grace Gill said the team would have to “take a good hard look at themselves at halftime”, hitting out at the team’s wasteful first half performance.
The only half chance the Matildas had a strong ball from Kyra Cooney-Cross that found an off-side Caitlin Foord but there was little else that could be considered a positive from a dire first half.
Even the Japanese goals were far from screamers with Mina Tanaka scoring off a weak strike after a failed header clearance from Australia.
The second was little more than a tap in after Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy ran into each other.
And the Matildas were lucky to not be further behind after a near-certain header clanged off the crossbar.
Gill said the goals were “easily preventable, easily fixed”.
“It was not controlling the ball, it was not settling things down, everything was going Japan’s way,” Gill says.
“Those (Japan) goals are easily defendable … it’s just defensively poor.
“It feels like the intensity is not there.”
But it was more of the same in the second half with the third goal five minutes after the break.
Despite a few positive moments from Japan showed the gulf in class with a sharp passing move giving Maika Hamano the easiest of tap ins.
At full-time, Harper called it “very very poor”.
“Disappointing doesn’t really come close to covering it,” Harper said.
“It was a morning which simply did not work.”
Hayley Raso reacts for the Matildas. Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Gill said it exposed the “chasm” between the teams.
Harper said the loss exposed a hard truth for Australian football.
“We’re having the same discussion after a Matildas game against Japan as we have after a men’s game against Japan,” he said.
“This is not a team against another team, this is a system against another system.
“While Japan over five, 10, 15 years have made vast progress on a technical level with their players, we sit here sending out national teams out and the chasm between Japan and Australia technically seems to be getting wider, not narrower.”
Fans were quick to take aim at the performance, with criticisms focusing on the fact the Matildas still have an interim coach.
Sport broadcaster Daniel Garb slammed the performance.
“That’s a disaster for The Matildas with as strong a side as it can name at present. Heaviest ever loss to Japan. Concerning a year out from a home Asian Cup,” he said.
“Tom Sermanni is a great of the women’s game & is not to blame but they’ve got to get a move on with a permanent coach.”
The West Australian’s Ben Smith commented: “One shot on target. Matildas in dire need of a direction and a coach, because right now they’re just spinning the wheels. Sermanni in a tough spot, but there doesn’t feel like there’s any jeopardy for senior players.”
“This she believes cup was the perfect time to have a full-time coach in camp with the Matildas. Why there isn’t one yet is insane,” one fan said.
Another added: “The Matildas look seriously out of form and poorly organised. They are a metaphor for @FootbalAUS. We have NO coach and the classy Japanese have an Australian assistant coach. We have a thin bench and a porous defence. Reform is an urgent need.”
There was nothing to celebrate for the Matildas. Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Speaking after the game, defender Ellie Carpenter lamented a horrific day at the office.
“It was a bad performance from us and we need to regroup, refocus for the game against the US,” she said.
“I think we weren’t all on the same page with the press. But like I said, it wasn’t good enough tonight and we just need to refocus, regroup and focus on the next match.”
It gets no easier for the Aussies with the Matildas facing hosts and world No. 1 the US on Monday before finishing against Colombia next Thursday.
While many are feeling sympathy for under-fire Ange Postecoglou amid Tottenham’s ongoing injury crisis, Premier League legend Roy Keane clearly isn’t among them.
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Postecoglou and Spurs are enduring a nightmare with up to 10 first team players missing due to injury. They sit 14th in the Premier League and only last week were knocked out of two more competitions, the League Cup and FA Cup.
An FA Cup loss to Aston Villa was followed by Postecoglou delivering a passionate defence of his players, stressing how tough it has been on them to back up for two games a week with a depleted squad.
The Australian manager insisted he was not fussed what people thought of him or his job security — hinting at “agenda driven” criticism — but he clearly still has at least some belief from Spurs and their chairman Daniel Levy who have so far resisted loudinging calls to sack him.
Postecoglou and Spurs’ plight was discussed on Sky Sports’ Stick to Football podcast and while legends Gary Neville and Ian Wright empathised with the embattled manager and the situation, Keane delivered a blunt assessment.
“When Ange was manager of Celtic, he’s playing Dundee and Hibs every week and they’ve got the smallest squads ever. I don’t think Ange was feeling sorry for them,” Keane, who won 17 trophies with Manchester United, said.
“It’s Ange’s time now … you have to suffer now Ange, like lots of others managers.”
Spurs out of FA Cup with loss to Villa | 01:18
“Celtic have the biggest budget, the best players. Do you think he had sympathy at Dundee when he was winning 8, 9 nil? I didnt see him after the game going, ‘I feel for the other manager, they’ve got a small budget’.
“He didn’t care less, and managers are getting sacked all around him.”
Keane also questioned which of Spurs’ injured players would actually have an impact on lifting Spurs back up to a respectable Premier League position, however he believes remaining in the Europa League could be a key for Postecoglou’s job survival.
Keane said Postecoglou’s demeanor in recent weeks was a reflection of the prolonged poor results “beating up” the Australian.
“When you’re winning, you’re fresh as a daisy,” he said.
“When you see Ange at the moment, Ange looks like he’s not slept for a month because you’re not winning, of course.
“He’s got (Manchester) United on Sunday (Monday AEDT). I guarantee if they beat United you see him on Monday or Tuesday, he’ll have a spring in his step.
“That’s what the results do to you, they grind you down. When you’re losing, trust me, it beats you up.”
Ange passionately defends side post loss | 03:43
Tottenham have lost five of their last eight games in all competitions, dealing a big blow to Postecoglou’s boast earlier this season that he always wins a trophy in his second campaign.
But he wants “a better appreciation for what a very small group of players have been doing for the last two and a half months”.
“It can’t be that people think that’s an excuse. That’s just not anywhere near close to objective analysis. That’s just agenda-driven stuff,” Postecoglou said after the Villa defeat.
“If it’s to get rid of me that’s fine. Good on ya. Go for it a million times.
“But in terms of this group of players, what they’ve given over the past two and half months has been outstanding, it’s a credit to them, I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Spurs are through to the Europa League last 16, but whether Postecoglou will still be in charge when they return to European action remains to be seen.
Denied the services of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Brennan Johnson among others due to injury, the former Celtic boss is adamant his players still back him.
Postecolgou was hopeful of welcoming back some players from injury against Manchester United, and the Australian may fancy his chances given Tottenham’s 3-0 win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford in September.
While De Vanna received support from some sections of the football community, a number also doubted her claims while a number of Matildas refuted the allegations, with Kerr referring to the team environment at the time as a “safe haven”.
With Kerr, 31, found not guilty on Wednesday (AEDT) on one charge of racially aggravated harassment after she called a London polic officer “f**king stupid and white”, Football Australia released a statement stating it was “committed to supporting Sam”.
Sam Kerr was found not guilty at Kingston Crown Court in south London. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
The statement failed to address Kerr’s captaincy of the popular Australian side and De Vanna, who was largely ostracised after her comments four years ago, took to social media to blast the governing body.
“Supporting somebody who has behaved poorly vs not supporting someone who calls out poor behaviour, that’s the true culture of the inner circle,” De Vanna wrote in a post on X.
“Double standards. At least I own my s**t!”
Lisa De Vanna is one of the best strikers in Australian history. (Photo by Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
After the not guilty verdict, the judge cautioned Kerr that “her own behaviour” in the police station had contributed to the case being brought in the first place.
After deliberating for a touch over four hours, the jury handed down the verdict at Kingston Crown Court, London, just after 2pm on Tuesday (1am, Wednesday, AEDT).
Kerr looked down as she learned the verdict and then hugged wellwishers including her family.
News Corp Australia’s Sophie Ellsworth, who was in court, said many of Kerr’s supporters in the public gallery broke down in tears as the verdict was read out – including her fiancee Kristie Mewis.
Kerr showed no emotion during the reading of the verdict but gave a thumbs up to her lawyer after the judge had left. An expressionless Kerr left the court shortly afterwards before posting a statement to social media.
“Following today’s not guilty verdict, I can finally put this challenging period behind me,” Kerr wrote.
“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury agreed.
“I would like to thank my partner Kristie, my family, friends and all the fans for their love and support, especially those who attended court each day.
“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and looking forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”
Van Egmond, speaking with Code Sports, addressed the million dollar question about whether Kerr should remain captain of the squad.
Kerr (front row, second from right) and De Vanna (front row, far right) ahead of a 2019 Women’s World Cup match in France. (Photo by Jean-Pierre Clatot / AFP)Source: AFP
“We are all with Sam,” she said.
“She’s an amazing person, one of my really good friends and I check in with her regularly just to see that she’s okay and that’s the most important thing to me.
“In terms of captaincy, that’s obviously up to other people to decide but for me she’s a great leader. She’s always been a tremendous leader and I wouldn’t have anyone else lead the team.”
Football Australia’s statement read: “Football Australia acknowledges today’s Not Guilty verdict regarding Sam Kerr and welcomes Sam’s statement.
“Sam has been a key figure in Australian football for many years, and we recognise the significant pressures that this matter has brought to Sam, Kristie, her family, and everyone involved, including the impact it’s had on the game.
Star Chelsea striker Kerr is still recovering from a knee injury. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Throughout this period, Football Australia has remained committed to supporting Sam and will continue to do so as she focuses on her footballing career, rehabilitation from injury and return to play.
“Football Australia invests heavily in building the behavioural standards and expectations of all involved with our game, especially for all our national team players, where leadership comes with added responsibilities on and off the field.
“Football Australia will reflect with Sam on learnings from this matter and we will continue to provide appropriate support for her moving forward.
“We look forward to Sam’s return to the pitch and her continued contributions to both her club and the Matildas on the world stage.”
Kerr remains sidelined as she recovers from the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament she suffered in January last year.
She won’t play for the Matildas in this month’s She Believes Cup tournament in the US.
