Australia's Matildas ended their disappointing SheBelieves Cup campaign with a 2-1 loss to Colombia at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on February 27, 2025. This marked their third consecutive defeat, leaving them without a single win during the tournament.
The match began with Colombia taking the lead only 15 minutes in, thanks to Wendy Bonilla's stunning goal. The Matildas showed resilience, with Hayley Raso leveling the score with her goal in the 69th minute, which fortunately deflected off a defender.
Unfortunately, the celebrations were short-lived. Colombia's captain, Catalina Usme, took the opportunity to reclaim the lead just four minutes later, with her shot taking a wicked deflection off Matildas defender Tash Prior, leaving goalkeeper Teagan Micah helpless as the ball sailed past her and under the crossbar.
The loss to Colombia followed two prior defeats for Australia—one against the world number one, the USA, and another against Japan, where they suffered a 4-0 defeat. With these results, the Matildas have now lost eight of their past 13 matches, raising alarms about their performance going forward.
After the match, Clare Hunt, who played solidly at the back, addressed the team’s continued struggles. "It was frustrating we didn't take our chances," she remarked to Paramount Plus. "We pressed well and had possession, yet we missed opportunities early on, which could have set us up well for the competition." Hunt reflected on the importance of finding consistency as the team continues through their rebuilding phase.
Tom Sermanni, the interim coach, was also vocal about the game and the media frenzy surrounding it. Recently, he faced backlash for comments made by Triple M radio host Marty Sheargold, who insulted women's soccer on his show. Sermanni and other sport leaders condemned those comments as completely unnecessary and outrageous, stating they went too far. He commented, "Our team is obviously very high-profile and criticism is something we face, but sometimes comments cross the line, and those certainly did."
With the Asian Cup looming just one year away—where Australia will host the tournament—the need for stability and consistency has never been more pressing. Hunt added, "We are still building, but it’s good to get squad rotations. Everyone has played near 90 minutes, which is important for preparing for the Asian Cup next year."
Despite the absence of results to show for it, the Matildas are focusing on the future. Hunt expressed optimism, recognizing the significance of the squad’s growth during this transitional period. While on the field, the team displayed moments of creativity and determination, particularly during the first half against Colombia, where they executed exciting plays yet often faltered under pressure.
Colombia’s goalkeeper, Natalia Giraldo, displayed solid control during the match, and their attacking trio—especially Linda Caicedo, who was consistently threatening—showed why Colombia can celebrate the win. She continually created trouble for the Australian defense and assisted her team with incisive counter-attacks.
Australian supporters might feel disappointed, but the match served as more than just another loss. It provided key lessons for the Matildas as they face mounting pressure and need to find answers quickly, with upcoming fixtures set against Korea.
The Matildas are set to confront the challenges posed by this period of introspection, focusing on finding their best eleven and building momentum for the Asian Cup. Clarity from Football Australia on coaching appointments and strategic plans may be integral as they strive to improve their international standing and restore confidence within their ranks.
This SheBelieves Cup has starkly illustrated the avenues Australia needs to improve. Sports analysts and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the Matildas respond and adjust as they prepare to face the additional challenges of international competition and the pressures they entail.