Aussie coach's major Asian Cup advantage over Matildas
By George Clarke
Ante Milicic hopes a month-long training camp can give his China side an edge as the Australian coach returns home looking to spoil the Matildas’ quest to clinch the Women’s Asian Cup.
Milicic, who led Australia at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, is tasked with maintaining China’s strong record in the tournament and will have to halt the Matildas’ pursuit of an elusive trophy in the process.
The former Macarthur boss has spent the last few weeks in Shenzhen running the ruler over his Steel Roses side, who mostly play in China’s domestic competition.
It’s a luxury that Australia coach Joe Montemurro isn’t afforded with the Matildas set to fly into Perth from their club sides in Europe and the USA, a week out from their first Group A game with the Philippines on March 1.