Summary
Thank you for joining me tonight, and for the duration of this hugely successful Cup of Nations for Australia. The Matildas are finding results, combinations, and patches of form, at the right time. The world cup later this year cannot come soon enough.
If Sunday was dominated by the pace and dynamism of Australia’s wide players, tonight it was more about the control and skill of those through the middle, especially Caitlin Foord and Katrina Gorry, both of whom scored superb goals. But again they were indebted to goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold who made a number of crucial saves and commanded her penalty area.
As with the victory over Spain, tonight’s performance wasn’t one of dominance for 90 minutes. The first half in particular was poor with Courtney Nevin and Larissa Crummer failing to justify their inclusions in the starting XI. Patterns of play from the back were disjointed and too often balls were thumped long on the diagonal; a strategy unlikely to win a world cup.
There was more precision and industry after the break with the introduction of Alex Chidiac, and after her nimble footwork earned the second of the night the match opened up and the Matildas were a constant threat in transition.
Next up is a serious test against European champions England, a match that will give Australian fans the clearest indication yet about how ready this group is to take on the world on home soil.
Stay tuned for Emma Kemp’s match report and further analysis during the week, but for now, goodnight!
Updated
Seven wins a row, another clean sheet for Mackenzie Arnold, and three excellent goals (none finished by Sam Kerr). The momentum continues to build for the Matildas.
