Milicic to lead Australia at women’s soccer WC

SYDNEY: Ante Milicic was Monday appointed to steer the troubled Australian women’s football team at this year’s World Cup in France after previous coach Alen Stajcic was sacked in controversial circumstances. The highly rated ex-Socceroos assistant coach will take charge immediately with his first three matches over the coming weeks when Australia hosts the Cup of Nations in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said Milicic “understands the Australian sporting and football culture”. “FFA is delighted to provide Ante — who has served a long apprenticeship in the game at both club and national team level — with the opportunity to lead the Matildas in France,” he added. Stajcic, who took over in 2014, was suddenly dumped last month, with the FFA citing concerns over “workplace” and “player welfare” issues following two confidential surveys about the team environment and culture.