- Mary Fowler breaks her silence on the Paris Olympics
- The Matildas were eliminated from the group stage.
- Fowler provided a theory for the disastrous campaign
Mary Fowler has revealed the Matildas’ disastrous campaign at the Paris Olympics after the Australian women were eliminated in the group stages.
Tony Gustavsson’s team travelled to France full of confidence after their incredible fourth-place finish at last year’s World Cup, which gave them hope of a medal in the women’s football tournament.
In fact, the Matildas failed in all three of their group games, with losses to the United States and Germany sealing an early exit from the competition.
Gustavsson lost his job and the team was heavily criticised by the public and media, with some claiming that the team had become too “spoilt” and had lost its appeal.
Football Australia boss James Johnson has strongly denied that suggestion and, speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fowler provided some insight into where he thinks it all went wrong for the team.
“I think we definitely worked as hard as we could to prepare for the tournament,” Fowler said. “I think sometimes football just doesn’t go your way.”
‘Being at home and having that home advantage, it’s very different playing a World Cup at home (compared to) playing it abroad.
“Sometimes things don’t go your way and we definitely reflect on that as a team and I’m sure the girls have as individuals as well.”
Mary Fowler has exposed the Matildas’ disastrous Olympic campaign
The 21-year-old was unable to rescue the Matildas from a humiliating exit in France
Football Australia is currently conducting its search for a new head coach, with Johnson revealing that players will be consulted on his selection, but Fowler said he has not heard of any progress on that front.
“I don’t really know,” he said. “I haven’t thought about it much.”
‘I’m very focused on what I can control and what I do as a player.
‘I feel like we all really want to win something with the national team.
“Having another chance to do it, I think a lot of us will be working over the next year or so to try to make it happen.”
Fowler is with the Manchester City women’s team in Perth after spending a break with her boyfriend, NRL star Nathan Cleary, in Sydney following the Paris Games.
Fowler was pictured at Sydney Airport before meeting up with her City team-mates last week, but there was no sign of her injured boyfriend Cleary.
Her Australian holiday saw her enjoy a day out at some markets in the Blue Mountains, just west of Sydney, alongside Cleary, who shortly after suffered a shoulder injury that initially led to speculation her season could be over.
However, he no longer needs surgery and is expected to return to the field for the final as Penrith bid to win four straight championships.
The couple enjoyed breakfast at a local cafe and then explored the Glenbrook Rotary Markets, where Nathan tried out a scented candle as they looked relaxed and happy.
He explained that playing abroad had an impact on the team.
Both Fowler and Cleary are well aware of the challenges of injury and the road to recovery.
Fowler has dealt with recurring back and foot problems throughout his young career, while Cleary has a more extensive history with injuries.
Fortunately, his most recent setback affects the shoulder opposite the one he injured in 2021.
Mary and Nathan began dating late last year and their relationship was first reported by Daily Mail Australia.