AFC Women's Asian Cup
Despite dominating 85 percent of possession, Australia managed just six shots on target, falling short of the high-scoring performance many had anticipated.
#WAC2026 | Group A: Australia 1-0 Philippines
“We stayed organised and stuck to our routine,” said head coach Montemurro. “At times that structure was pivotal in helping us break lines. The Philippines tried to reduce the scoreline, and they ultimately got the result they needed.
“Creating chances comes down to instinct and being smart in the moment. You need that bit of coldness in front of the goal. Can we be better? Absolutely. The more we control these moments as the tournament progresses, the more we’ll benefit.”
“Creating chances comes down to instinct and being smart in the moment. You need that bit of coldness in front of the goal. Can we be better? Absolutely. The more we control these moments as the tournament progresses, the more we’ll benefit.”
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Montemurro, however, remained focused on the broader picture, stressing that the Matildas are only getting started.
“This was our first game together in a while, so we were naturally a bit conservative. With players like Steph (Catley), Clare (Polkinghorne) and Winona (McDonald), we could progress quickly and give Hayley (Raso) chances to exploit spaces and we got through a few times.
“There are areas to tighten up tactically, especially around the box but overall, the team was brave, proactive and growing into the tournament.”
“This was our first game together in a while, so we were naturally a bit conservative. With players like Steph (Catley), Clare (Polkinghorne) and Winona (McDonald), we could progress quickly and give Hayley (Raso) chances to exploit spaces and we got through a few times.
“There are areas to tighten up tactically, especially around the box but overall, the team was brave, proactive and growing into the tournament.”
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For Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso, the match offered lessons and a reason to be proud after limiting Australia’s attacking threat.
“It is a bit disappointing but we can’t dwell on it. We need to keep moving forward. While we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, this is an opportunity for us to learn and grow for the next few games,” said Torcaso.
“Keeping the scoreline low - that’s credit to all the hard work we’ve put in not just over the past month, but over the last six months to a year."
“It is a bit disappointing but we can’t dwell on it. We need to keep moving forward. While we didn’t get the outcome we wanted, this is an opportunity for us to learn and grow for the next few games,” said Torcaso.
“Keeping the scoreline low - that’s credit to all the hard work we’ve put in not just over the past month, but over the last six months to a year."
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“To reach this point as we aim for another FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification, I’m proud of the players, and I know everyone back home in the Philippines is proud too. Now, it’s time to focus and finish strongly in our next games.”
Australia will look to build on their momentum when they take on the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday, with the Philippines facing another stern test against 2022 runners-up Korea Republic.
Australia will look to build on their momentum when they take on the Islamic Republic of Iran on Thursday, with the Philippines facing another stern test against 2022 runners-up Korea Republic.
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