With just 100 days until their home World Cup opener against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, the Matildas pulled off a stunning victory that will ramp up enthusiasm and expectation back home. In ending the 30-game unbeaten run of the world’s most in-form side in England, Tony Gustavsson’s side put in a gutsy performance that displayed all of their mettle and counter-attacking attributes.
On top of all of that, however, one of the main points shining through in west London was the need for the Matildas to protect Sam Kerr at all costs. There will, therefore, be plenty of concern as the Australian captain hobbled off the pitch deep into injury time to be replaced by Alex Chidiac. A problem that in all honesty looked like tiredness more than anything; the forward gave a wry smile as she departed before strapping an ice pack to her knee.
