Australia Embrace Pressure Ahead of Women’s Asian Cup

Australia winger Hayley Raso says the Matildas are embracing the pressure of being hosts as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The 12-nation tournament begins on Sunday, with Australia chasing their first Asian Cup title since 2010. The team enters the competition without any warm-up matches, and several players joined the squad late due to club commitments.

Despite limited preparation time under head coach Joe Montemurro, who was appointed last June, Raso said the team is confident and ready. Montemurro has overseen just three international windows so far, but Raso believes the squad’s strong understanding of each other will help them adjust quickly.

“The expectations are high, and a lot of people want us to do well,” Raso said. “We are probably our harshest critics. We want to perform at our best. We don’t feel pressured in a negative way — we enjoy the challenge.”

Montemurro wants the team to control and dominate possession, a style Raso says suits the players. She added that the long-standing bond within the squad makes it easier to adapt to any coach’s strategy.

Raso, who played a key role in Australia’s run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-finals, recently scored for her German club Eintracht Frankfurt. Meanwhile, captain Sam Kerr was also on target for Chelsea in their Women’s FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Raso said strong performances at club level give players confidence heading into international duty. Australia will open their campaign against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday, with high hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil.