Matildas coach's mind blown by Mary Fowler magic

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has described Mary Fowler as “mind-blowingly good” following the rising star’s stunning cameo in the 2-0 victory over Iran.

In an Olympic qualifier that the Matildas were expected to win 4-0 at a minimum despite resting a glut of stars, Australia were still only holding a slender 1-0 lead on Thursday when Gustavsson decided to bring on the reinforcements in the 65th minute.

Superstar Sam Kerr, Fowler and Steph Catley were all introduced – to big effect.

Although it was Kerr who found the back of the net in the 78th minute to seal victory for the Matildas, Fowler was the standout player.

Her deft touches, pinpoint passes and piercing runs caused all sorts of headaches for Iran’s defence.

And Fowler’s one-two pass with Catley that helped set up Kerr’s goal was magical.

After the match, Gustavsson revealed that the role he gave Fowler on the night had been inspired by the way Manchester City have been using the 20-year-old.

“They’ve used Mary Fowler as a wide forward this season, and she has been outstanding in the league,” Gustavsson said.

“We said, ‘let’s try her in our environment as well’ and Mary’s performance in those minutes on the left side was just mind-blowingly good.

“I think she was our best, which means we have another tool now in the wide areas, which is perfect for us.”

Fowler enjoyed a break-out World Cup campaign, and it seems the sky’s the limit for the speedy forward.

But Gustavsson made a point of trying to take the pressure off Fowler.

“She shouldn’t be the one that has to carry this team or take responsibility in that sense,” Gustavsson said.

“She should be this young player that is the spark and can just do her thing.

“Some of the experienced players can carry the pressure.”

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso were among the stars who weren’t used against Iran.

The Matildas will be back in action against the Philippines at Optus Stadium on Sunday, and Gustavsson is set to unleash a much stronger starting line-up.

“We talked to the players early in this camp and said be prepared for rotation for different reasons,” Gustavvson said.

“You will see a lot of new faces in that line-up (against the Philippines) compared to tonight.”

Gustavsson was thrilled to see hometown hero Kerr score a goal in front of an adoring crowd of 18,798 fans.

“I think there might have been some people in the stands tonight that were a bit disappointed that Sam wasn’t in the starting line-up,” Gustavsson said.

“Because obviously you buy a ticket to come and see Sam.

“But I also know a lot of people buy tickets to come and see the Matildas (in their own right) now considering how we performed in the World Cup without Sam.

“To see Sam score that goal and celebrate with teammates and friends and family – that was amazing.”