Fans have criticised Mary Fowler after her disappointing performance in the Matildas’ 3-0 defeat to Germany in their opening match at the Paris Olympics.
Captain Steph Catley admitted the team received a “loud alarm clock” during their opening match in Marseille as their chances of winning gold were massively affected.
The World Cup semi-finalists Matildas struggled to find their rhythm against the former champions, leaving them on the back foot in a group that also includes the powerful US team as coach Tony Gustavsson slavishly apologised for their performance.
Fans were quick to criticize Fowler’s performance, calling his play “slow” and “frustrating.”
One fan said: “Mary Fowler is a very frustrating player. Like many other creative and brilliant players before her, she has her ups and downs.”
Another added on Facebook: “Fowler is slower than an old barge going up the river, half the pace of anyone else in the field.”
Many fans felt the Manchester City star was almost invisible during the match.
“Can Mary Fowler touch the ball or something… Honestly, I didn’t even know she was on the field,” one fan fumed.
Fowler was left in an awkward position after captain Sam Kerr suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ruled her out of the World Cup, and she struggled to make an impact against Germany.
Another commented: “Bad first half. As usual, we don’t find Mary Fowler, who is overrated.”
Even when Fowler had a rare chance in front of the net, the ball was taken away from him before he could shoot.
The criticism extended beyond Fowler to the entire team, with some fans branding the Matildas “overrated”.
One fan said: “All the hype they were getting from everyone everywhere was just setting them up for the fall.”
Another fan added: “Seriously, they far exceeded expectations at the World Cup. I understand the enthusiasm and excitement, but they were never going to be a serious contender.”
After a blistering run at the World Cup on home soil, the Matildas received a dose of reality against Germany at the Paris Olympics.
Die-hard Matildas fans travelled to France while others woke up at 3am AEST to watch the match.
There was also scepticism about beating Germany, with one viewer commenting:
“There should have been no expectation that this team would beat Germany. None. And that’s not a slight on them. Germany is better than us.”
Some comments were more abrasive, with fans criticising the Matildas’ apparent arrogance.
“Maybe that will lower their arrogance,” said one.
Others mocked the Queensland Government’s decision to erect a statue of the Matildas after their historic fourth-place finish at the World Cup.
“There is a rumor that a statue is being built to commemorate this,” one viewer sarcastically posted.
Another posted: “The statue would have defended better.”
However, not all comments were negative. Several Australian sports fans defended the team and criticised the commentators for turning on them so quickly.
“I understand the mood of some people regarding politics here, however, laughing at the defeat of an Australian sports team says a lot about people’s priorities. Pretty rubbish attitude, to be frank,” one follower posted.
Another added: “It’s good to see all the support they have, no. Surely they’re not all so pathetic as to only support the winning teams, good old Aussie sporting spirit.”
“All the funny men here should get together and tell each other the joke about the statue,” another posted.
The Matildas will have a chance to redeem themselves when they take on Zambia on Monday morning (3am AEST).
They will then play their final group match against the United States on Thursday.