Emma Burke 
Joe Montemurro and Emily van Egmond at the Matildas pre-game press conference. Photo: Poletti/Round Ball Australia
Australian Head Coach Joe Montemurro has faced the media ahead of the Matildas’ second group game against Iran, discussing a rotational squad and breaking down low blocks.
“There will be some rotation [of players] in preparation for tomorrow night’s game, but also for what’s to come to make sure the squad’s in good shape,” said Montemurro.
“At the moment everyone’s excited to play and there’s going to be a few disappointed ones when I do the rotation,” he said.
It is not just the outfield players on the cards for rotation, as Montemurro revealed that usual starting goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is available to be selected for tomorrow night’s game after young-gun Chloe Lincoln started in the opening win against the Philippines.
“Macca’s fine, there’s no real issue, they’ve [Arnold and Lincoln] both been training well,” he said.
Montemurro also said the selection of goalkeepers will be based on potential recovery times for both Arnold and Lincoln, given that the turnaround time between Thursday night’s game and Sunday’s clash with South Korea is so narrow.
The last time these two sides met was in the 2023 Olympic Qualifiers in Perth, when Australia defeated Iran 2-0, with goals scored by Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr.
Iran played a very defensive game back then, and have clearly continued this style of play as seen in their game against South Korea.
Both the Matildas and the Socceroos have historically struggled against teams that sit so low in their own half, something that Montemurro acknowlegded.
“The final third is always a conundrum. Our main scenario is to get into areas where we believe we can have shots on goal or we can get into goal scoring opportunities.
“I can show them 400 videos of the back post, the front post, shooting from outside and so on, but it’s the moment… then it’s up to the quality of the individual,” he said.
During the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, The Dubcast, Round Ball Australia’s Women’s Football podcast, will have daily episodes discussing the days games and looking ahead to the next days matches. Listen on Spotify, Apple, or watch on YouTube.