The outcome of the Matildas' journey at the Paris 2024™ Olympic Games is undoubtedly disappointing for the team, their fans, and the entire Australian football community. Although the team's goal was to surpass their fourth-place finish at Tokyo 2020™, this Olympic campaign did not unfold as hoped. Despite this, Football Australia remains immensely proud of the Matildas' dedication and hard work throughout the qualification period and the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.
With the conclusion of the Matildas’ Olympic campaign, Head Coach Tony Gustavsson’s four-year contract with Football Australia has ended by mutual agreement. Gustavsson addressed the players and staff after the final group stage match against the United States to bid farewell and wish them well for the future.
CEO James Johnson shared his thoughts: “Tony Gustavsson has been a crucial part of the Matildas' journey over the past four years, including a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020™ Olympics and the FIFA World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023™. We are grateful for his significant contributions, passion, and commitment during this time and wish him all the best for the future.
"Though our Olympic Games campaign has ended, we take pride in the dedication shown by our players and staff. The Matildas have demonstrated spirit and resilience throughout the qualification run and the tournament in France. This group has made a significant impact on Australian football over the past four years, and we look forward to the next four-year cycle with the team.
"As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we will conduct a comprehensive review of the campaign, as we do with all our national teams following tournaments and each cycle. This review will help us identify areas for growth and ensure we are prepared for future challenges. We will also begin the process of recruiting a new head coach for the Matildas," Johnson explained.
Tony Gustavsson said: “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as the head coach of the Matildas over the past four years. This journey has been filled with incredible moments and memories that I will forever cherish.
“I extend my thanks to the remarkable players for allowing me to be a part of their stories, my staff for their unwavering support, Football Australia for backing our vision, the Australian football community for their embrace, and the Australian public for their tremendous support.
“Australian football will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to watch and cheer for your success in the future,” Gustavsson concluded.
In closing, Johnson expressed gratitude to the fans: "We thank our fans back home in Australia and the thousands who traveled to France to support our team. Your unwavering support and dedication have been truly inspiring."