Tom Sermanni appointed interim coach of Australia’s women’s soccer team

Tom Sermanni has been appointed as the interim head coach of the Australian women's soccer team, marking his third tenure with the Matildas. This decision follows the non-renewal of Tony Gustavsson's contract after the team's disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, where they finished third in their group and failed to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Australian federation announced Sermanni's appointment as they seek a permanent head coach. At 70 years old, Sermanni brings over three decades of experience in women's football, both in Australia and internationally. His previous roles include head coach of the U.S. women's team and assistant coach for Canada’s women’s team, as well as leading New Zealand’s women’s side until the end of the Tokyo Olympics. His extensive knowledge of the global women's football landscape and familiarity with the Australian game make him a suitable choice during this transitional phase for the Matildas. Sermanni will guide the team through the upcoming international window, which includes a match against Olympic bronze medalists Germany. His leadership is expected to help stabilize the team and prepare them for future competitions. Football Australia chief executive James Johnson expressed confidence in Sermanni's ability to navigate this period of change and build on his previous successes with the Matildas. The appointment of Sermanni reflects a strategic move by Soccer Australia to regain momentum and improve the team's performance on the international stage. As the federation searches for a new head coach, Sermanni's experience and past achievements with the Matildas will be crucial in shaping the team's future direction.