Matilda suffers setback under new coach in Slovenia match
Joe Montemurro’s quest for a perfect start with the Matildas was halted after a stoppage-time equaliser saw Australia draw 1-1 with Slovenia in a friendly in Perth. Michelle Heyman’s goal after halftime looked set to deliver a second straight win for Montemurro following their 3-0 victory days earlier, but a last-minute strike denied the new coach consecutive victories since moving on from Lyon.
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Australia takes early control
From the start, the Matildas dominated the match, holding 62 per cent possession as Slovenia focused on a defensive approach to frustrate their hosts. Australia almost turned their control into a goal in the 18th minute when Champions League winner Kyra Cooney-Cross linked up with Heyman, whose shot went over the crossbar. Despite taking eight shots on target in the first half, the Matildas could not find a breakthrough before the interval.
Heyman’s experience pays off
Montemurro’s decision to start 36-year-old Heyman in attack proved valuable after the break. In the 50th minute, Ellie Carpenter made a strong overlapping run, found space, and delivered a precise cross into the box. Heyman used clever movement to escape her marker before finishing calmly with a sidefoot volley, putting the Matildas 1-0 ahead and showing her quality in front of goal.
Solid defending keeps Slovenia at bay
The Matildas maintained a strong defensive shape for much of the match, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold producing a sharp save to deny Mateja Zver soon after the restart. Montemurro made changes around the 60th minute, bringing in Holly McNamara and Hayley Raso for Heyman and Kaitlyn Torpey to inject fresh energy into the game. However, the substitutions did not change the momentum, and the match lost some of its intensity in the closing stages.
Slovenia snatch a late equaliser
In stoppage time, Slovenia capitalised on the Matildas’ missed chances. Naja Poje Mihelic’s low shot slipped past Arnold and hit the post, with Mirjam Kastelec reacting quickly to score from the rebound and level the match. The late equaliser denied Montemurro and the Matildas a second straight win, highlighting the need to improve finishing and concentration in the final moments as they continue their preparations for the AFF Women’s Championship in Vietnam, with two friendlies against Panama in July providing further opportunities to refine their game under the new coach.
