Soccer: 'They love it': Matildas coach defends throwing rookies in at deep end

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Third Place Playoff - Sweden v Australia - Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Australia - August 19, 2023 Australia coach Tony Gustavsson REUTERS/Dan Peled/File photo

(Reuters) - Australia coach Tony Gustavsson has defended fielding rookie-laden teams against quality opposition after becoming a lightning rod for criticism following the Matildas' 5-0 thrashing by Olympic champions Canada.

The heavy defeat in a friendly last Friday in Langford, British Columbia was Australia's worst loss since a 7-0 hiding by Spain in June 2022.