Tony Gustavsson has left his role as head coach of the Australia Women’s national team following their group-stage exit at the Olympics.
Australia came third in Group B at the Games but were the worst third-place finisher behind Colombia and Brazil and therefore did not qualify for the quarterfinals.
Australia needed to avoid defeat against the United States in their final group game on Wednesday to progress to the knockouts but suffered a 2-1 loss. They had previously lost 3-0 to Germany and beaten Zambia 6-5.
“This outcome is undoubtedly disappointing for the team, the fans, and the entire Australian football community,” a Football Australia statement read. “The team’s objective was to improve on the previous fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020, and while this Olympic campaign did not unfold as hoped, Football Australia remain immensely proud of the dedication and hard work displayed by the Matildas throughout the qualification period and the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.”
Football Australia added that Gustavsson, who has left by mutual consent following the end of his contract, addressed the players and staff following the defeat by the USWNT to say his goodbyes and wish them luck. The 50-year-old Swede took charge of the team four years ago, guiding them to the semi-finals of the last Olympics and then reaching the same stage at the World Cup on home soil last summer, the first time Australia had progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament. This Olympic exit, though, is Australia’s first at the group stage of a Games since 2000.
“Tony has been an integral part of the Matildas’ journey over the past four years, with a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023,” CEO James Johnson said. “We thank him for his strong contribution, passion and commitment during that time and wish him every success for the future.
“While our Olympic Games campaign has ended, we are proud of the commitment of our players and staff. The Matildas have shown spirit and resilience throughout the qualification run and the tournament in France. This group of players have over the past four years made a significant impact on Australian football and we are looking forward to the next four-year cycle of the team.”
(Pascal Guyot/AFP via Getty Images)
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