Caretaker coach Tom Sermanni, who ended his third stint with the Matildas on a high note with a 4-1 victory over Argentina on Monday, expressed strong confidence that incoming coach Joe Montemurro will lead the team to greater success.
Sermanni, 70, a veteran of Australian women’s football who first managed the national team back in 1994 before they were known as the Matildas, made his comments just hours after Montemurro’s appointment and before the Canberra match.
“His coaching record is outstanding, and as a proud Australian, I believe he will elevate this team to a new level,” Sermanni told Paramount.
Australia’s win featured two goals from Amy Sayer, plus strikes from Emily Van Egmond and substitute Michelle Heyman, securing back-to-back wins over Argentina in four days. The match drew a sellout crowd of 25,125 at Canberra Stadium, reflecting the team’s rising popularity.
“What stands out is the incredible home support — every game I’ve been involved in has been a phenomenal experience,” Sermanni said. “I’ve never seen a crowd like the Matildas’ — it’s truly unique. I still pinch myself when I step onto the field and see them.”
Sermanni believes Montemurro inherits a strong squad capable of competing with the world’s best once fully fit.
“People forget how close we came to silver medals at the last World Cup and the Olympics before that,” he said. “The team is very close. Experienced players remain influential, and we have promising young talent emerging.”
One key concern remains the fitness of star forward Sam Kerr, sidelined since January 2024 with an ACL injury. Montemurro revealed earlier Monday that Kerr had required a further medical procedure unrelated to her knee but is now back in training.
