More changes as Matildas aim to rebound from shock loss
Panama, ranked a lowly 56th in the world, produced one of their greatest wins on Saturday win beating the 15th-ranked Matildas 1-0 in Bunbury.
Montemurro, in his first international window as Matildas coach, had made a whopping 10 changes to his starting line-up for that match, and introduced four debutants off the bench.
It's all part of his wider plan to gain more insight into the depth in Australian women's football, and to see who can adapt to his possession-based game style.
Montemurro's reign started with a 3-0 win and a 1-1 draw against Slovenia before the shock loss to Panama.
King puts Panama on the board 🎯The visitors snag the lead in Bunbury, as Sherline King strikes home the opener🇦🇺 #AUSvPAN 🇵🇦 is live now on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/iA2wBM5Pyb
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) July 5, 2025
The Matildas have looked disjointed in all three games, but Montemurro is confident the short-term pain will lead to long-term gain.
Australia entered the current international window without mainstays like Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler.
Ellie Carpenter, Mackenzie Arnold, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Sharn Freier exited the squad after the Slovenia series, while Amy Sayer and Charli Grant were rested for Saturday's loss to Panama.
Sayer and Grant are expected to come in for Tuesday's game at HBF Park, but Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik and Kaitlyn Torpey have left to rejoin their respective clubs.
In an added blow for the Matildas, goalkeeper Teagan Micah has been ruled out of the final match of the international window after suffering whiplash in making a save on Saturday.
Montemurro doesn't view the shock 1-0 loss to Panama as a disaster, but says fans can expect more changes on Tuesday.
"You don't lose, you learn," Montemurro said on Monday when asked about the surprise defeat.
"It's a perfect opportunity to learn, because it's not a do-or-die game. It's not a game that we are going to lose points on or lose our status in a competition situation.
"I haven't really looked at it as a loss. I looked at it as more information for us to go forward.
"Obviously when you make a lot of changes like that, there is going to be a little bit of instability.
"But I still have belief in the process, I still have belief in the way going forward, and we've got a bank of information that will help us going forward."
Montemurro is looking for his players to display more football intelligence on Tuesday.
And although the current window is more about information gathering and the implementation of a new game style, he wants to end it with a win.
"We want to create the culture, we want to create the standards, we want to create an idea of football," Montemurro said.
"And obviously there will be a wider, extended look at where we are, where we're going with the squad - but we want to do it while we're winning.
"So a win is is important, like always."

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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Chicago Bears mailbag: Did they finally get it right with Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams?
Welcome to another summer of hope for the Chicago Bears. Expectations for the 2025 season aren't necessarily at the 2019 level, but by pairing new head coach Ben Johnson with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears have as good of a combo in those jobs since … well, it's been a while. It's also roster-shaping season. We're a couple of weeks away from training camp, when 53-man projections and stories about bubble players and viral videos of undrafted rookies making big-time plays in Lake Forest will take over. Advertisement In this mailbag, we begin with the head coach-QB duo, and then discuss areas where general manager Ryan Poles could still add, and which players to monitor closely this summer. Now, on to your questions. Some questions have been edited for clarity and length. What's different this time? We've heard the same optimism about wildly unsuccessful coaches here. What's ACTUALLY different? And, perhaps, is Ben Johnson NOT an upgrade? What if Caleb Williams is not HIM? I need a why that acknowledges the past failures. — John R. The Bears' recent past has understandably created a generation of cynics. Their futility, the vicious cycle they've been in, all the head coaches, play callers and quarterbacks, the zero playoff wins in nearly 15 years … you get the point. The public message has been that the past doesn't define the present. It should have no bearing on Johnson, Williams and what this team does in 2025. That's fair. And if you want to point to the constant of ownership and not trusting anything until that changes, well, the results have been in your favor, so who am I to try to talk you down? If you're looking for the 'why,' a few things are supposed to be different this time around because of what the head coach and quarterback have already shown in their careers. Johnson wasn't some no-name. He called plays at the highest level in the NFL. There's proof he can run a successful offense. Players in Detroit spoke glowingly about playing for him. Despite everything going against Williams last season, he still put up impressive numbers. He won a Heisman Trophy. While maybe he wasn't as consensus a No. 1 pick as we might've thought, his list of weaknesses wasn't very long. Few quibbled with him being the top pick. There are fewer unknowns with the Bears' head coach and quarterback combo than there have been in the past. That doesn't mean it'll work. That doesn't mean they finally figured it out. We have to see it on the field. It's not so much that the process of hiring Johnson or drafting Williams should inspire fans, but knowing those two were highly thought of is an improvement over previous iterations. Advertisement It is the Bears, though, so skepticism can reign until they prove otherwise. Why all the talk about trading Cole Kmet? The dual-TE threat is intriguing. Plus Kmet is versatile in offense formation. — Paul D. Quick media literacy refresher, because I was confused to see the social media algorithm churning out Kmet trade chatter. It's not uncommon — especially this time of year — to speculate about a player who 'could' be a trade candidate. That generally doesn't mean anything. If a writer is surveying NFL rosters looking for potential trade chips and they come to the Bears, they might look at the Colston Loveland draft pick and think, 'Oh, maybe they could move Kmet.' But that's all that would be, so let's all be careful to discern between 'yeah, this player would make sense as a trade chip' and 'this team wants to move this player.' It's the summer, everyone's looking for content, and the Bears' depth chart might look top-heavy at tight end. That's all there is to it. Does that mean Kmet will never be traded? No, but I'm not sure why the Bears would at this point. Swinging into Year 6⃣ — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 15, 2025 Johnson hasn't been shy about his excitement to deploy '12 personnel' with Kmet and Loveland on the field together. Kmet is only 26, and his contract isn't in the top 10 for tight ends. He's not cost-prohibitive. Even if they did trade Kmet, they'd have to replace him with someone else who could handle the two-tight-end sets. At the risk of repeating myself, Kmet had some career-high numbers last season (yards per target, catch percentage), even in a sputtering offense. It should intrigue everyone to see what he can do in Johnson's offense. If Tyrique Stevenson takes a step and the CB newcomers impress, would the team kick the tires on trying Terrell Smith at safety? A lot of decisions for the safety room have to be made soon, and he seems like he's someone who needs to be on the field more. — John R. Now, if you're looking for potential trade chips — again, this is not a report, just summer speculating — you could look at these two players, especially if the Bears feel good about rookie Zah Frazier. This is a position of depth. This will be a pressure-packed season for Stevenson. He can get a new deal after 2025, and he'd love to be known for more than the Hail Mary in Washington. The talent is there, but can defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and defensive backs coach Al Harris get it consistently? Former defensive backs coach Jon Hoke often waxed poetic about Smith, whose main challenge has been staying healthy. Advertisement You're right, John, that the Bears have some questions at safety in the future with both starters on expiring contracts and no one necessarily waiting in the wings. I'm always hesitant, however, to suggest a position change. Smith probably has the instincts to play safety, but it's not a position he's played in his football career — unless he did it before high school. Interestingly, when looking at Dane Brugler's 2023 scouting report of Smith, he writes, 'he has an intriguing blend of length, speed and physicality to match up with NFL receivers on the outside. He is a physical press-man corner prospect.' That would seemingly line up well with Allen's defense. Having Smith as the top backup at corner is a nice commodity, especially on his contract. But if the Bears feel really good about Frazier, then maybe it's a discussion worth having. Until then, they're probably better off with Smith at his usual spot. What can we expect from Austin Booker this year? — Brian G. When the Bears didn't draft an edge rusher or sign someone other than Dayo Odeyingbo, that created a situation where Booker and Dominique Robinson could vie for a lot of snaps this season. Rookie Shemar Turner could bounce outside, but he'll begin his NFL career on the interior. Gervon Dexter is another candidate to get moved around a bit, too. Booker has the desired length for the position (6-4 1/2) and had a productive rookie preseason (2 1/2 sacks, four QB hits). He had only 1 1/2 sacks and four QB hits in the regular season, playing a quarter of the team's snaps on a defense that fell off in the second half. When you talk about 'second-year leaps,' he's the type of player who is primed for one in a scheme that should highlight his traits. If he exits camp as the No. 3 defensive end, that would be a win for the organization. That'd be a reasonable expectation, too, considering the Bears traded away a pick to select Booker and don't offer a ton of competition at the position. If Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson do have one more move to make, either for a starter or just someone who'll take a meaningful chunk of the snaps, then (1) what position do you think they're most likely to look at, and (2) how do you think they go about acquiring a guy? Current free agent, trade target, some other team's cap casualty on cutdown day? Thanks again for your great coverage! — William M. Last August, Poles acquired defensive tackle Chris Williams and outside linebacker Darrell Taylor via trade. The previous August, he traded for guard/center Dan Feeney. And in July 2022, he traded for wide receiver N'Keal Harry. Williams is the only one still on the roster, but those are examples of Poles' willingness to use the trade market to improve the roster ahead of camp or the regular season. Any injury in training camp would hasten a trade or signing at a position, but I would monitor the defensive end spot. There's a drop-off after Montez Sweat and Odeyingbo. If Poles, Allen and Johnson aren't satisfied with the progress of Booker or Robinson, they could make a move like they did last summer for Taylor. Advertisement Kevin, if Loveland and Luther Burden are not ready at the beginning of training camp, do the Bears bring in another TE, WR or RB? — Ed B. Johnson seemed confident that Burden would be good to go for the start of camp. We'll see in a couple of weeks if that's true, but it was a promising sign. Unless Loveland suffered a setback, his injury doesn't seem like one that will keep him out for a considerable amount of time. If neither is ready to roll at the start of camp, if it's a multi-week situation, then maybe the Bears add another body at those positions, but if they're day to day, I'd expect them to stand pat. And as long as nothing is long term, I wouldn't expect any additions at those positions to be more than simply signing for depth. There were a few questions about Burden's readiness for camp, and while Johnson was open about the disappointment of not having the second-round receiver available for OTAs and minicamp, I prefer to worry when it's time to worry. It's early July. Let's see what happens. Is the progress of Rome Odunze the ultimate catalyst of this team in your opinion? I feel it would be difficult for the team to take off and truly be great without him taking the next step. Do you agree? — Joaquin F. The ultimate catalyst of the team is Caleb Williams' progress. That's Nos. 1, 2 and 3 on the checklist. However, one thing that would help is Odunze continuing to ascend. I thought Odunze's rookie season was underrated. He had to deal with the same nonsense that everyone did, having to go through multiple coordinators and all the inconsistencies. He didn't put up numbers of other wideouts (and a tight end) in his class, but he still had some pretty impressive moments, and he led the league in fourth-down receiving yards. There's plenty more to come from Odunze, who has all the makings of being a big-time receiver in this league. Any Year 2 jump from him would boost the Bears, but I wouldn't put that much big-picture pressure on it. The Bears have other weapons and a quarterback who will have a greater impact on the team's record. Kevin, what are you seeing and hearing about UDFA safeties Major Burns and Tysheem Johnson? Is there a chance they could beat out Jonathan Owens or Tarvarius Moore? Wonder if these players align better with Dennis Allen's vision for the secondary. — J E. Burns and Johnson had two of the most notable college pedigrees among the undrafted rookies and happen to be competing at a position with depth and future question marks. I didn't see enough from spring practices for any kind of evaluation, but it's important to remember that Burns and Johnson need to really shine on special teams. Owens and Moore are veterans who excel in the third phase, as a No. 3 or 4 safety should. As undrafted rookies, it shouldn't be difficult to get them to the practice squad if that's the case, and ideally, one or both show potential this summer, but the vets will have an edge with their experience. (Photo of Caleb Williams: Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images)


New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Why Netflix's ‘Quarterback' fit Joe Burrow's delicate balance of public life and privacy
Joe Burrow wants what so many of us want. A nice meal, time with a select group of friends, no pretenses and a good time. For the ordinary Cincinnatian, that's easy. Invite some old friends over, fire up the grill, serve a few spirits and start swapping stories. For Burrow, arguably the most famous individual in Cincinnati sports history, such serenity can be more elusive than a Lombardi Trophy. So as much as his stroll down the red carpet at the Met Gala in June or in Paris last year crossed Burrow over into the non-football public eye, more importantly, they offer an opportunity for a private, nonjudgmental, social environment. Joe Burrow at the #MetGala — Variety (@Variety) May 5, 2025 'I would say the media all around the event is a little exhausting, but once you're actually there, it's just very private, and that's hard for me to come by these days,' Burrow said of the Met Gala. 'So the more opportunities that I can try to have a normal dinner party, a normal dinner, be around people that don't really don't know (why he's famous), don't care, just around good people, the more opportunities I'm going to take.' Advertisement This is a guy who didn't complain about the idea of playing internationally, as most players do, but he lobbied for it. He expresses general interest in growing the game abroad and would relish being a face of that. Welcome to the constant conflict as Burrow evolves in his superstar life outside football. He's private and eccentric, philanthropic but reserved, ambitiously global yet loyally local. Burrow protecting and curating his image while trying to enjoy unforgettable life experiences doesn't come easily. It's clear the 28-year-old maintains one prerequisite in his approach to balancing both: Control. That's why when he opens up his life with the release of Netflix's 'Quarterback' documentary on Tuesday, he'll do so without fear. And that's hard to achieve, coming off a year in which control over his privacy was violated to a larger extent than at any other moment in his professional life. JOE BURROWKIRK COUSINSJARED GOFF Quarterback Season 2 premieres July 8. — Netflix (@netflix) June 23, 2025 And, yes, learning about the home invasion that took place on his property the night of a December win in Dallas will be part of the show, but knowing that in exchange for access, he would receive an understanding that the show wouldn't burn him, made this a fun entry point. One of the primary reasons he could take the show's producers at their word is that at there is someone at the top of the line who uniquely understands his plight. 'I think a big part was Peyton (Manning) being involved in it, too,' Burrow said. 'I have a lot of respect for him, obviously. What he did, does, is as a person, when that guy reaches out to you and asks you to do something, then … most of the time I'm not going to say no.' Burrow could watch the episodes and offer his input, knowing his concerns would be understandable for Manning and his team. Advertisement 'Only positive things could come out of it,' Burrow said. 'He's going to protect me, protect our team, protect our organization. I have trust in him for saying that and trust that he's going to do that. I probably wouldn't have done it if he wasn't involved, but I have a lot of trust and faith in him to not do anything that would hurt me or the team.' There was a comfort there for both Burrow and the team he represents, which was also doing the AFC North 'Hard Knocks' last season. 'Joe knows what he needs to do, does what he needs to do,' Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. 'Peyton Manning is a big part of this, and you're hard-pressed to find anyone that respects the game of football as much as he does, so I think he does a good job as part of that group. Talking his quarterbacks through it and understanding it's a great legacy to leave.' The same can't be said in public endeavors outside of carefully curated environments. That includes the pitfalls of fame as speculation swirls around a personal life he's always kept extremely close to the vest. Now, paparazzi snap shots late at night in the streets of New York, documenting where he's going and who he's with. He's not alone, of course; this is the norm for his ilk. From Tom Brady to Tony Romo to Aaron Rodgers to Jay Cutler to Josh Allen, interest in connections off the field is part of franchise quarterback culture. Burrow pushes back against that, which came to a head when information about his house and who was in it went public during the break-in. 'I feel like my privacy has been violated in more ways than one,' Burrow said after the incident. 'Way more is out there than I would want out there and that I care to share. So that's all I've got to say about that.' It's hard not to be scarred from that incident while also trying to keep living his life. It's a delicate dance and can spiral in one viral moment. And it's a prime example of why control over who is allowed into the circle matters so much. 'That was definitely a curveball I didn't quite expect throughout the whole process, but the people involved in it, working on it day to day, were great and weren't too intrusive,' Burrow said. 'I worked with some good people with that.' Other places have been enjoyable safe havens for him beyond Paycor Stadium. He's taken to traveling internationally and dropping into the suites at Formula 1 races, taking part in Michael Rubin's 'white party,' holding a fundraising secret golf event and entrusting Manning's team with his story. Same with the Met Gala, where he wasn't in a backless suit as he was at Paris Fashion Week in 2024, but was rubbing elbows with the brightest stars anywhere at one of the most prestigious events in the world of celebrity. There was peace in that. Advertisement 'It's a new experience,' Burrow said. 'It was fun. It's about five minutes of taking pictures, and then it's just a little dinner party. So it was good people, good vibes. I was happy that I was able to go.' He missed a practice to do so, a decision that didn't even leave a mark inside the building because of what this staff and his teammates have seen for years. Burrow's access and celebrity might have changed, but as a leader of the team, he hasn't one iota. 'It's funny, all that stuff is just so far outside of my relationship with him, it's like another person,' offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. 'And I don't care, that's great. Do what you wanna do. Come here, do your job, be the best in the world at what we need you to be. At the end of the day, I care about you as a person. I want you to be happy. As long as he's able to do all those things and still be the guy we need him to be. And he hasn't shown us any reason to think that that's not the case.' Much like his NFL journey, there have been bumps in the road for Burrow, but he's come out of his growth into public life with a unique, impressive perspective. 'Quarterback' will shine a light on that perspective while also showing Burrow's dedication to performing at a high level on the field and keeping winning a championship at the top of the priority list.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Injuries end season for Bomber, No.1 draft pick
Richmond's No.1 draft pick Sam Lalor might need surgery and Nik Cox's concussion history has also ended his AFL season. Lalor re-injured his left hamstring only a couple of minutes into his return on Saturday against Geelong, with the Tigers confirming on Monday his season is over. The AFL's concussion panel, which last month recommended West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern should retire on medical grounds, gave Cox hope he will resume his playing career. While Cox will not play this year due to his concussion problems, the panel gave him a pathway to make an AFL comeback after meeting him last month. Lalor has succumbed to a left hamstring injury for the third time, previously injuring it before he was drafted last year and then in the May Dreamtime at the 'G match against Essendon. The Tigers were cautious, holding him back for a week, but he limped off GMHBA Stadium after tackling Tom Atkins early in the first quarter. "We are all devastated for the young man, and I am sure our fans are too," Richmond high-performance manager Ben Serpell said. "The injury mechanism here for Sam this time was very different to his original injury mechanism. "He sustained the injury in a tackle. I think anyone who throws their body at the game as he did, and credit to him for doing that, is going to put their body at some risk irrespective of their injury history." Given Lalor's terrible injury history, he might undergo surgery on the hamstring. "We are a bit concerned about the integrity of the hamstring structure," Serpell said. "As part of that we will consult a few surgeons over the next little while to see if there is some surgical intervention available for us." Meanwhile, Cox is upbeat about his future after being told by the concussion panel he can resume his AFL career. "While I'm disappointed that I won't return to the field for the remainder of the 2025 season, this time away from the game will be used to focus fully on my health, recovery, and building the strongest possible foundation heading into pre-season," Cox said. "I've learned a lot about myself over the past few months, and I'm more motivated than ever to get back to doing what I love. "My focus now is on continuing to work closely with specialists and the club to make sure I'm in the best place physically and mentally to return to football."