CommBank Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro said that the team was focused on leaving the group with all nine points, and there was no intention to worry about goal difference beyond that.
He was speaking to media alongside Emily van Egmond ahead of the team’s second group stage game against IR Iran on Thursday evening at Gold Coast Stadium.
“We're going out to win all three games, so goal difference doesn't really come into consideration,” he said.
“We go out to get the results, the three points against IR Iran and then Korea Republic. We go out to get the three points. It's as simple as that. We want to finish this group on nine points.”
IR Iran are expected to sit in a low block and attempt to stifle the attack of the CommBank Matildas, much in the same way that the Philippines did in the first game. Montemurro addressed the way the team would attempt to break down their defence to achieve the desired result.
“There are many discussions on the final third, the finishing, the crossing and so on,” he said.
“It's an area where, as a coach, the important thing is to get the team to arrive there. Sometimes it's just instinct; it's situational. I can show 400 videos of the back post, the front post, the shooting from outside, and so on. But it's the moment.
“We've been working a lot on getting into these areas and making sure that the quality or the instinct of the footballer means that they can make that decision in the right scenario. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't; the final third is always a conundrum.
“Our main scenario is to get into areas where we believe we can have shots on goal, or we can get into goal-scoring opportunities, and that's the most important thing. Then it's up to the quality of the individual.”
He gave an update on the fitness of Kyra Cooney-Cross, and suggested that there would be rotation for the game on Thursday evening.
“Kyra is good. She's back training with us, so we'll make a decision closer to match time,” he said.
“Looking at the schedule before the actual tournament started, we knew there was a quick turnaround between game two and three. Game two and three are the difficult ones in regards to continuing the momentum. So logic says that there will be some rotation, obviously in preparation for tomorrow night's game, but also in preparation for what's to come, to make sure the squad's in good shape.
“At the moment, everyone's excited to play. There's going to be a few disappointed ones when I do the rotation, but we've got a great group, and whoever comes in will keep the standards very high.
“We will be looking at partnerships… but it's a great opportunity also to give players the chance to play our football, to be part of the rotations, to be part of the group.”
He confirmed that Mackenzie Arnold was fit and available, but the final decision on whether she would play against IR Iran had not been made. He also confirmed that Fowler’s minutes were not being managed from a physical perspective, but that her start on the bench in game one was a technical decision.
Emily van Egmond, meanwhile, said that she was pleased to be on the Gold Coast and was looking forward to another game in a major tournament in front of family and friends.
“Our first game against the Philippines, we got off to a good start. We got the win, which has set us up nicely now for the second group stage match,” she said.
“You’re seeing throughout the tournament just how much the game's evolved in a short amount of time. There’s a year to go before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™, and it'll evolve again. It’s really important that we go out, and we have good performances.”
Van Egmond could become the leading appearance maker in CommBank Matildas' history during the tournament.
“For me, first and foremost, I want the team to do well,” she said.
“We're here to do a job. We want to play good football. We want to get good results and ultimately qualify for the World Cup. That's number one.
“On a personal note, becoming the most capped Australian footballer is obviously an honour. If I get the opportunity, I'll be grateful for it, and there's no better person to do it under than the great Joe Montemurro.”
The midfielder concluded by reaffirming the team’s approach ahead of the all-important clash.
“We concentrate on ourselves, and we focus purely on what we need to do. That's go out and win the game,” she said.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas 1 v 0 Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
IR Iran v CommBank Matildas
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium, Gold Coast
Time: 7:00pm AEST/8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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