Former Wallabies star Greg Martin has accused the Matildas of “sticking their heads up their arses” and “believing their own hype” in a stunning attack after they were beaten 3-0 by Germany in their opening match of the Olympics.
Martin, who played nine Tests for Australia, has given coach Tony Gustavsson’s team plenty of scope as they now face a huge battle to progress beyond the group stage in Paris.
“Our defenders were so lazy, it was like they had lead in their feet,” Martin said on the Triple M Breakfast show in Brisbane with Marto, Margaux and Dan.
‘Quite simply, the Matildas have become the Brisbane Broncos. Their heads are so far up their asses that they believe in their own hype.
“Every picture I have (on Instagram) is of them having a cocktail on a beach or in a nightclub for the last six months… they haven’t really worked hard for it.
They think you just have to show up… and [after] What happened at the World Cup will happen again.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get. Right now it looks like the Tillies aren’t working that hard.”
Former Matilda Amy Chapman also did not hold back in her comments, calling the modest performance ‘one-dimensional’.
Former Wallabies star Greg Martin (pictured) has pelted the Matildas with a razor-sharp spray, accusing them of resting on their World Cup run laurels
Defender Ellie Carpenter (pictured) was caught from a corner for Germany’s first goal and enjoyed a match to forget in Marseille
Tony Gustavsson’s squad now face a huge battle to get past the group stage in Paris
She then criticized Gustavsson for not using his bank.
“It opened up more space, especially for Mary (Fowler) when they made those substitutions – some good players willing to hold the ball and get involved,” Chapman said during the Nine broadcast.
‘I thought (debutant) Sharn Freier made the difference, she came in and ran at players, she’s a natural left-footer.
‘I think those changes should have happened earlier, because when it was 3-0, that’s a very steep climb.’
Australia next plays Zambia on Monday morning at 3:00 a.m. (EDT), before playing their final pool match against the United States national team on Thursday.
Emma Hayes’ team impressed in their first match, winning 3-0 against the African underdogs.
