CommBank Matildas' defender Steph Catley said that there were plenty of positives to take from the team’s 2-0 victory over Korea Republic on Monday evening.
She spoke after the match as the team concluded a perfect window in terms of results, with two wins and no goals conceded.
“It was an improvement on the last game,” she explained, assessing the victory.
“There were patches where we could still improve a lot. Our first phase of building up, we were getting into the midfield and then maybe rushing and losing it a bit, and then we were quite open to the counter. So there are a few things we can work on.
“But we created a lot. We were energetic – there were a lot of positives. We're missing a lot of players and that meant that people needed to come into unfamiliar roles and a lot of young players had to step in. So it was amazing to come away with two wins and two clean sheets.”
She said that the international window was fantastic preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™, particularly since Korea Republic are a team that the CommBank Matildas may face in that tournament.
“Playing against Asian teams is important, because that's our next major tournament, and it's a really important tournament for us on home soil,” she said.
“Korea Republic are always strong - they knocked us out of the last Asian Cup. So it's important to play against these teams.
“They’ve got some great players, and there's a lot we can learn from these moments. We were exposed at certain times, so there's a lot that we can look at and improve on and take to our next matches.”
Catley was a massive part of the two clean sheets across these two games, playing in the centre of defence.
“That's the foundation for any win - is to not let the other team score a goal - and that's something that we've struggled with the last couple of games,” she said.
“Keeping that clean sheet, just being disciplined defensively and being proud of keeping the clean sheet, is really important for our mentality.
“We had a lot of different people coming in and out of the back line. Everyone did their job. So, it's really nice to see.”
CommBank Matildas fans are more used to seeing Catley operate on the left-hand side of defence. However, she has been playing at centre-back for Arsenal this season and explained that she is more than comfortable with the newer role in national team colours.
“I'm really enjoying it,” she explained.
“I like that I can dictate the tempo, I can be on the ball a lot, and I can organise. I think that's one of my strengths.
“I got a little bit of time at left back as well. Whatever role the team needs me to play, I'm open for that, and we'll be ready for anything.”
Catley will now return to her club side, Arsenal, as they look to finish the season strongly, before turning her attention back to the CommBank Matildas for the May/June window against Argentina.
COMMBANK MATILDAS | MAY/JUNE 2025 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Kick-off: 8.00 pm AEST
Venue: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
TV Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v Argentina
Date: Monday, 2 June 2025
Kick-off: 7.30 pm AEST
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
TV Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
Radio Broadcast: ABC Listen App
Tickets: Buy Tickets
