Mary Fowler caught up in storm as Matildas fans clash over 'pathetic' move at Olympics

Mary Fowler has come in for some criticism after the Matildas' disappointing display against Germany at the Olympics on Thursday night, however many have come to her defence. The Matildas' campaign to win a medal for the first time at the Olympics got off to a nightmare start, thrashed 3-0 by the 2016 champions.

The Aussies suffered some embarrassing lapses in defence, and had little-to-no potency in attack without superstar striker Sam Kerr. Fowler was tasked with playing up front for the Matildas to fill the void left by Kerr, but the Manchester City star found it hard to get involved.

Normally a midfielder, Fowler was very quiet while playing as a striker against Germany. Fans were quick to criticise the 21-year-old for the performance, but plenty more leapt to her defence and said the level of vitriol being levelled at the Matildas from back home was 'pathetic'.

“Mary Fowler is such a frustrating player," one person wrote on social media. "Like many creatively brilliant players before her, she just blows so hot and cold."

Another person wrote: “Horrible performance! Two worst players on the pitch are my two favourite players in the WSL (Women's Super League) - Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy.”

Some say Mary Fowler wasn't to blame for Matildas loss

But as leading commentator Adam Peacock pointed out, the Matildas' tactics did little to get Fowler into the game. "Plenty of reasons for that defeat," he wrote. "Germany played the game on their terms, with and without the ball. Especially the latter in a mid-block. Zero press. No wonder Mary Fowler barely got the ball."

Another person commented: "I get some people's mood around politics here, however, laughing at an Australian sporting side losing says a lot about people's priorities. Fairly garbage attitude to be frank."

And another wrote: "Good to see all the support for them, not. Surely you're not all so pathetic that you only support winning teams, good old Aussie sportsmanship."

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Matildas need to bounce back quickly at Olympics

Despite the poor showing, all is not lost for the Matildas. They'll face Zambia on Sunday night in a crucial clash that will go far in determining whether they'll advance to the quarter-finals. Eight out of 12 teams will make the next stage, meaning the Matildas can finish third in their group of four and still advance (depending on their record and goal difference).

"It's definitely a wake-up call," said captain Steph Catley. "That's tournament football. We've got two more games and we've got to turn it around quickly. We've got a lot to learn from here. I think at times we were on top and we let two set-pieces affect the game in a very negative way."

Coach Tony Gustavsson admitted: “I don’t think we were ready for it. Germany were class today – they were much better.” But Clare Wheeler added: “Our mantra is ‘never say die’. And I think that’s what you’re going to have to see in these next two games. We’re not going to say die. By no means does it mean we’re out. We have two more games. We’re going to have to embody that never say die attitude.”