Matildas missed out on reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in France for the first time in 16 years, five months after the shock sacking of Alen Stajcic, who had been their most successful coach.

Many of the Matildas players appeared to lack match fitness and the squad seemed to struggle to adapt to new coach Ante Milicic's tactics in the wake of Stajcic's much-publicised dismissal.

They were beaten by Norway via penalties in the round of 16 last Sunday (AEST) despite being widely tipped to go deeper in the tournament courtesy of their world number six ranking.

Stajcic has refused to comment on the Matildas' performance at the World Cup but retired Australia international and Canberra United W-League coach Heather Garriock said his sacking proved too disruptive for the squad.

"To gothrough something like that, as traumatic as that, it is going to have an impact," she said.

"In terms of implementing a new philosophy and a new style, it was too difficult. I just think the players were playing with a big weight on their shoulders."

Football Coaching Australia president Phil Moss said the Matildas' chances were cruelled before they even arrived in France for the World Cup.

"I think it goes without saying that it [Stajcic's sacking] cost the team the best chance of performing to the very top of their capabilities," Moss said.

"It's our worst finish in the last four World Cups, so questions have to be asked around was the best preparation afforded to the team leading into the tournament."

Moss has called on the FFA's review of the