FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia coach Gustavsson identifies reason for Australia’s loss to Nigeria

Australia were huge favourites going into the game, but the Super Falcons worked their socks off to get the win

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson has revealed that his team’s inability to recover second balls was the major reason for losing to Nigeria, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria picked up their first win of the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they beat Australia 3-2 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday.

It was a game that could have easily gone anywhere as Australia had the bulk of the possession while the Super Falcons were more precise.

The Matildas registered 26 attempts on goal, but they struggled to convert their chances, especially in the absence of Chelsea goal machine Sam Kerr. Meanwhile, Nigeria had eleven attempts on goal, and the nine-time African champions converted their few chances. Goals from Osinach Ohale, Asisat Oshoala, and Uchenna Kanu sealed the victory for the former African champions.

Australia coach Gustavsson, who cut an animated figure on the sidelines while his team was pouring unending attacks on the Super Falcons, believes that they lost because they did not pay attention to final balls.

“All three goals they[Nigeria] scored were because we lost the second balls. We knew that was going to be massive in this game,” Gustavsson said after the game.

“The second ball was going to be key, and unfortunately, tonight, it cost us three goals.”

As it stands, Nigeria only need a point from their last game against the Republic of Ireland to qualify for the round of 16.