The Squiz 

It’s been a disappointing Olympics campaign for the Matildas – Australia’s women’s football side – and yesterday was especially bumpy. After losing 2 of their 3 group games, they did not progress to the next round. And then Football Australia (FA) confirmed coach Tony Gustavsson won’t have his contract extended after 4 years with the team, which means he’s steered them through his last game. The decision was “mutual”, FA said. The 50yo Swede said “Australian football will be forever in my heart” and that “his journey with the team has had many incredible moments and memories that I will forever treasure”.

C’mon, what’s really going on?

Fair question because it’s the first time in 24 years Australia has failed to make it to the knockout stage of the Games – but it’s not just about that… Speculation about Gustavsson’s place with the Matildas began months before they landed in Paris – right back to their dream run at the 2023 World Cup. There were rumours about other coaching gigs, including with the US women’s and men’s teams alongside questions about his dedication to sticking with Australia given he never relocated here. There’s also been a bit made of skipper Sam Kerr missing out due to injury and what effect her absence has had on the team’s performance in Paris. The insinuation is during last year’s World Cup it was Kerr who was driving the team to success, not Gustavsson… FA’s next step is to conduct a review of the Olympics campaign and go from there. 

And what else is going on?

If you can believe it, tomorrow marks the halfway point of the Olympics – and although we’ve scored some huge wins, we’re far from the 54 medals we were tipped to end up with… We’re fifth on the leaderboard with 8 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals. China’s top of the pack with 11 gold, 7 silver and 4 bronze. But a lot can happen in a week, and the Aussies are hoping to add to our haul as the track and field events get underway in earnest. This gives a good summary of what to keep your eyes peeled for, but pole vaulter Nina Kennedy is looking to leap to another gold medal next week after her win at the world championships last year. Ollie Hoare and Stewart McSweyn are also in the running (pun intended…) in the men’s 1,500m, with their first heats tonight. So it’s a good weekend for a few late nights on the sofa, don’t you think?