How an Aussie football icon could solve the Matildas’ biggest problem heading into the Asian Cup next year on home soil

• John Aloisi could be the Matildas next manager
• Aloisi, 49, is already an Australia football legend

By ANDREW PRENTICE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

John Aloisi provided Australian football fans with an unforgettable moment when his penalty in a shootout against Uruguay ensured the Socceroos qualified for the 2006 World Cup after more than three decades of pain.

Now he is firming as the Matildas’ next fulltime coach – and it couldn’t come at a better time, with the Asian Cup to be held on local shores next year.

Along with European-based Aussie Joe Montemurro, Aloisi, 49, has been reportedly courted by Football Australia to replace interim manager Tom Sermanni.

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, Aloisi politely declined to comment on any possible development, stating his focus was with Western United ahead of their pending A-League finals campaign.

They sit in second spot after 21 games, with their impressive brand of football must-watch this season.

It comes as former coach Tony Gustavsson moved on last August following a nightmare campaign at the Paris Olympics – and since then the Matildas have gone further backwards.

Socceroos legend John Aloisi could be the next Matildas coach – he needs no introduction for many football fans

In iconic scenes, Aloisi’s penalty in a shootout against Uruguay saw the Socceroos qualify for the 2006 World Cup

The Matildas were World Cup semi-finalists in 2023 – but have gone backwards since (pictured, captain Sam Kerr)

Winless at the recent SheBelieves Cup in the US, whoever assumes the role will have their hands full.

Last month, Australia dropped to 16th in the world – their joint-worst spot in the rankings since they were first introduced in 2003.

Their fall from grace hasn’t been helped by the long-term absence of striker Sam Kerr, who continues to recover from an ACL rupture sustained in January of 2024.

Kerr’s court saga earlier this year in London – where she was found not guilty of racially aggravated abuse of a police officer – also generated unwelcome headlines.

It is hard to fathom the Matildas were World Cup semi-finalists in 2023, such has been their alarming dip in form. 

Former Matildas striker Ashleigh Sykes has no doubt Aloisi – who is off-contract with Western United at the end of the A-League season – would excel in the hot seat.

‘He’s (Aloisi) a very knowledgeable coach in the women’s game as well as the men’s game, I think he’s a great shout,’ she told Optus Sport.

‘He understands the culture, understands what it takes to win as a national team player – I think I could get on-board with that (appointment).’

Meanwhile, the Matildas take on South Korea on Friday in Sydney before a second match in Newcastle on Monday, April 7.

In a significant blow, Ellie Carpenter (ankle) and Hayley Raso (thigh) won’t play and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold is in doubt due to an arm injury.

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How an Aussie football icon could solve the Matildas’ biggest problem heading into the Asian Cup next year on home soil

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