CommBank Matildas Head Coach Joe Montemurro has underscored the significance of facing diverse styles of play as the team gears up for their match against Haiti on Wednesday morning (AEDT). This encounter will allow Montemurro to evaluate various players and strategies in preparation for an upcoming challenge.
“It’s not so much about facing top ten sides; it’s about facing different styles of football,” Montemurro stated during a media briefing on Monday. He noted that the previous match against Germany served as an ideal test, providing valuable insights into the team’s performance. “Haiti will give us another, different test. We’ll look at it from the perspective of what we need in terms of building that toolbox to know that we’re prepared for the World Cup,” he added.
Montemurro acknowledged Haiti’s potential to present difficulties, citing the quality of their players and tactical approach. He emphasized the importance of the team’s mentality heading into the match, viewing it as an opportunity to experiment with new strategies. He confirmed that the entire squad would be available, but indicated that some rotation would occur following their previous game against Germany.
“We’re just going to do a little bit of fatigue management for some of the players who have played a lot of football with their clubs,” he said. After a positive morning team meeting, Montemurro expressed optimism about their readiness for the game.
In preparation for their second game of the window, Montemurro pointed out key areas for improvement. He stressed the necessity of maintaining composure under pressure, particularly against teams like Germany, which press aggressively and exploit gaps in defense. “A lot of our build-up from deep was to get it into that space as quickly as possible,” he explained. “It’s now about that next phase: how we’re progressing from our low build-up into our middle and going forward.”
He called for a more structured and creative approach to their play style. “When you’re introducing an idea of a possession-based game, it’s important to be a little braver, to believe that it’s okay to try something,” he noted. Montemurro also highlighted vulnerabilities in teams during offensive play, particularly against high-quality competition like Germany.
The upcoming match provides players with a further opportunity to secure their place on the roster for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. “It’s an exciting time that we’re now looking at a whole scope of opportunities,” Montemurro remarked.
Next Game
Haiti v CommBank Matildas
Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026 / Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Kick-off: 9.00pm CEST (Local) / 6.00am AEDT
Venue: Stade Walter-Luzi, Chambly, France
Broadcast: Paramount+
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