Japan enjoyed a 60 per cent share of possession, nearly twice as many shots on goal and three corners to Australia's nil. Those statistics indicate a lopsided affair but the harsh reality is that they flatter Australia, who matched Japan in spirit, determination and athleticism only.

The truth is Japan were too good – and so they should be. Having invested heavily in women's football over the past decade following disappointing Olympic and World Cup campaigns, they are now reaping the rewards.

Australia have at least taken the first steps towards creating footballers rather than just athletes. There is no hiding the fact that the younger generation are among the better ball-players of the team and possess a higher technical standard.

Sam Kerr is a phenomenal dribbler of the ball, Katrina Gorry and Emily Van Egmond are flourishing into composed playmakers while Caitlin Foord has been tipped as a future World Player of the Year.

These are some of the first players stemming from the national curriculum who are exciting and attacking, but there are some fears from within that defensive tactics and techniques are not promoted at the same rate. The importance of that was illustrated by Japan, who would break into defensive blocks immediately, keeping Australia's best spells of possession within their own half. Titles are won on defence, so the saying goes.

Improving the way players are taught and the standard of those who are teaching them is essential.

"In a country like Australia we have to get our talent ID right, we have to get our programs right, we have to get our coaches right, That's it. It's not difficult," Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said.

The most pressing issue, says captain Lisa De Vanna, is raising the minimum standard of the top tier. The standard of the W-League must improve if the Matildas are to continue soaring on the world stage. It's no coincidence that France, a nation that failed to qualify for the 2007 World Cup but has since risen to become one of the most exciting nations occurred as the standard of their domestic football improved. More money at club level and better competition helped create the likes of Louisa Necib and Eugenie Le Sommer.

"I think having a stable W-League will be more beneficial than us being together [in national team camps for extended periods] because then we can develop other players, bring in other players who can grow," De Vanna said.

The Matildas' success at the World Cup appears to have landed a new broadcast deal for the W-League next season which will feature the introduction of Melbourne City's team in the competition. As of yet, there is still no indication the W-League will extend to two full rounds, improving the competitive legitimacy.

Then there's the story that appears so frequently and as an issue, improves ever so slightly, ever so gradually.

Commercial interest in women's sport is integral to its growth and perhaps one of the major issues holding the Matildas back from defeating the powerhouses. Many of the great players of the US, Germany, France and Japan squads don't have to balance international football with part-time jobs.

Already, certain players have endorsement deals but sources are hoping for a full-time sponsorship deal for the team to arrive as a result of their rise in profile. The Matildas are one of the flagbearers of women's sport in Australia and there are hopes that role will be recognised by companies wishing to harness that image and public profile to its full marketing potential.

There is a campaign to have a Matilda on the cover of one of the most popular video games in the world with FIFA 16 involving women's football for the first time. It's a major development for the code where female stars will be brought into living rooms at an interactive level. In a world completely driven by market forces, the show of faith from a computer game company like EA sports in women's football should not be understated, especially if say, Kyah Simon was to appear on the cover alongside Lionel Messi.

Australian players earn a base salary of $21,000 per year, with additional payments made per international match appearance. Those who wish to better their football education by playing abroad run the risk of losing this contract from the Football Federation of Australia. As an issue, it extends much further than just Australia. The prize money on offer at the Women's World Cup left the players with $2850 each for their share of the purse distributed by FIFA, an organisation that has nearly $2 billion in cash reserves.

The squad will disperse by tomorrow. Some players will take up club football overseas, some will go on a holiday but their attentions will now turn on improving the low levels of pay. Discussions will soon begin on taking the next step to close the gender gap where hopefully by France 2019,  playing international football for women will feel like a privilege, rather than a sacrifice.