Catley: “We’re looking at the bigger picture”
CommBank Matildas defender Steph Catley explained that the team remained focused on the bigger picture after a disappointing SheBelieves Cup.
She was speaking after Australia’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia in the final game of the tournament.
“It was obviously not a good result or a good tournament for us,” she began.
“But I think we’re looking at the bigger picture. We haven’t got a major tournament around the corner, so it’s time for resetting and rebuilding.
“Often you go through waves in a national team where you peak at different times. Right now, we’re definitely not peaking. We have a lot to improve on and a lot to work on.
“We’ll have a look at these performances and learn from them. That’s all we can do to get better.”
She explained that against Colombia, the team’s failure to put away their chances was what cost them in the end.
“Early on in the first half, we had some big chances that, in games like that, you have to put away,” she said.
“You might not get many chances throughout the entire game, and I think the ones we created were big, big chances. If we put them away, maybe the game is a different story.
“Colombia have got a couple of class players, and they’re solid defensively, so they’re a tough team to beat and a tough team to break down. So when it gets like that late, then it can be difficult.”
Catley said that this tournament will be used as a stepping stone towards the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, which is exactly one year away today.
“Right now we’re at ground zero for that preparation, so there’s a lot you can learn from games and tough days like these,” she said.
“It’s a massive tournament that we get to host at home, and on the back of the World Cup, considering how successful and how massive it was for our country.
“It’s important for us to do well, and we want to do very well at that tournament. So the preparation and what we do from here is going to be very important.
“We’ll bounce back, we’ll fight back, and we’ll be ready for our next task, and that will be the next step towards the Asian Cup.”
The next games that the CommBank Matildas play will be in Sydney and Newcastle against Korea Republic in early April.
Catley expressed how important it's been to feel the support of fans throughout the recent away window.
"It means everything. When you support a team, you support them through the tough times and the good times. Our fans are no different. They've been there for us through the tough times and to celebrate the good times," she shared.
"Right now, we need their support more than ever. We aren't getting the results we want on the field and there's been a lot going on at home where we've needed their support, but they're the best fans in the world and we're very, very grateful to have them."
She also mentioned how excited the team are to be playing in front of home fans once more.
“Our favourite thing to do is play at home, and I know ticket sales have been really, really good, so we're expecting big crowds again.
“We’re all very much looking forward to it, especially now after this tournament, it will be a great opportunity for us to bounce back against an Asian opposition when we are preparing for an Asian Cup.
COMMBANK MATILDAS | MARCH/APRIL 2025 INTERNATIONALS
CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Friday, 4 April 2025
Kick-off: 8.00 pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets
CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Monday, 7 April 2025
Kick-off: 7:30 pm AEST
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets