SOCCER: Australia ready to embrace pressure as Women's Asian Cup hosts, says Raso

MELBOURNE – Winger Hayley Raso says Australia are embracing the weight of expectation as hosts of the Women’s Asian Cup, brushing off concerns that the team has had little time to adjust to coach Joe Montemurro’s game plan.

The Matildas are chasing their first Asian Cup title since 2010 and will start the 12-nation tournament on Sunday without any warm-up matches, with several players arriving late due to club commitments.

Raso said the team welcomed the attention of playing on home soil and were comfortable with the pressure that comes with it.

“The expectations are high, and a lot of people want us to do well,” Raso told reporters on Tuesday.

“We're probably our harshest critics; we want ourselves to do well. I wouldn't say that we feel pressured to perform, but we love the pressure.”

Montemurro, appointed last June, has led the squad through just three international windows, but Raso said the team’s familiarity and cohesion meant they could adapt quickly.

“We're a team that's been together for a really long time, so we know how each other works, and we know that whatever coach is in charge of us, we'll be playing their way,” she said.

“He wants us to control the ball. He wants us to possess the ball, and that's something we like doing. We’re looking forward to getting out there.”

Raso, a key figure during Australia’s run to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals co-hosted with New Zealand, scored in her last match for German club Eintracht Frankfurt. Captain and striker Sam Kerr also scored for Chelsea as they eliminated Manchester United from the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.

Raso said the players’ strong club form would benefit the Matildas as they prepare for their tournament opener against the Philippines in Perth.

“That’s really important,” she said. “You gain your confidence before you come into camp.”

-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters