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Matildas bid to learn from past errors

George ClarkeAAP
A last Asian Cup title back in 2010 has the Matildas primed for success in this year's edition.
Camera IconA last Asian Cup title back in 2010 has the Matildas primed for success in this year's edition. Credit: AAP

Tony Gustavsson hopes a deep dive into the Matildas' past failings will drive Australia to Asian Cup glory as they prepare to face Indonesia in their first group game on Friday (AEDT)

The Matildas haven't won the tournament since 2010 and are widely expected to advance to the final where Japan shape as their most likely competition for the trophy.

But the Swede said his team would be taking things one game at a time with a view to hitting top gear by the time the finals roll around.

"We have asked ourselves 'why we haven't succeeded since 2010'," he said.

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"We took tournament experience from players and staff.

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"We think we have found the key areas (and) we have prepared for (them). That's not for the final, it's for every step.

"We want to get out of the group and win the group and be in peak form when the key games come."

The Matildas coach said he had the complete 23-player squad at his disposal after they travelled from Dubai to India.

He revealed he would seek to blood his youngsters in the intensity of tournament football, while also explaining he had focused on set-pieces given Australia's attacking prowess meant other teams would likely sit deep and aim to soak up pressure.

"For those teams that sit back, we've spent extra time on how we can unlock those teams," he said.

"We've sharpened a couple of tools in our toolbox and we've spent a lot of time on set-pieces because it can be difficult to create that 100 per cent chance from open play. Set-plays then become a key part of the game."

Thailand and the Philippines also feature in Australia's pool, the top two teams guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.

The final is on February 6 in Mumbai.

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