When the Matildas take the field at Perth Stadium on Tuesday night, they will face not only defending Asian Cup champions China but also a coach who understands their blueprints better than most. Ante Milicic, the former head coach who managed Australia at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, now leads China's charge for back-to-back titles.
The significance of this matchup extends beyond the scoreline. Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has praised Milicic, saying "He sees the game holistically, but sees the game for the reality that it is". What makes Milicic's appointment so formidable is his recent experience working with many of the current Matildas players. Captain Sam Kerr, forward Mary Fowler and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold were all part of Milicic's 2019 World Cup squad.
China are entering the match without suspended star Wang Shuang, the creative playmaker who scored two goals and provided an assist in the tournament. Despite this loss, China are the reigning AFC Women's Asian Cup champions after beating Korea Republic 3-2 in stoppage time in the 2022 final, suggesting they have depth to cope with such absences.
On the Matildas front, there is welcome news regarding player availability. Vice-captain Steph Catley and star winger Hayley Raso have both passed their concussion tests and are available for selection. Catley withdrew from the group stage match against South Korea and sat out two subsequent games, while Raso missed action after head knocks sustained against Iran.
The broader tactical battle looms large. Australia looked vulnerable in their quarter-final win over North Korea, conceding 21 shots and managing just 38 per cent possession, with Montemurro now imploring his side to adopt a more possession-based game plan against China. This represents a clear shift in approach after two matches where Australia ceded control of the ball.
One tactical uncertainty surrounds Mary Fowler's playing time. The 23-year-old has logged 241 minutes across four matches since returning from an ACL injury, and some observers wonder whether her possible inclusion in the squad as an impact player off the bench might better manage her workload, particularly if Raso's return offers width options.
The mutual respect between Milicic and Montemurro is evident, though it will be set aside on Tuesday night. Milicic has praised Montemurro, saying "What he's done for the women's game, being an Australian coach, is incredible. He's coached a few massive clubs in Europe, and I'm delighted that he's in charge of the Matildas, because they've got a coach with plenty of experience that knows the girls."
If Australia win on Tuesday, the final awaits on 21 March at Stadium Australia in Sydney, where they will face the winner of the South Korea versus Japan semi-final. A first Asian Cup title in this century represents the prize on the line, and Montemurro knows his team must play a more controlled game against an opponent who understands their strengths intimately.