There was a moment midway through the second half of the Matildas’ Olympic opener that epitomised what was ultimately a listless, uncomposed performance, punctuated occasionally by moments of quality. Captain Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord combined in a flash of brilliance on the left flank to unlock the German midfield. Catley found herself released, striving forward, outmuscling the German defender closing behind her. It was, for the briefest of moments, the Matildas at their best.
But as Catley reached the six-yard box, she found herself contained by Germany’s Marina Hegering – hitting an impermeable dead end. When Catley’s first effort came to naught, she tried again, only to collide with teammate Hayley Raso – who had leapt forward to assist. The ball bobbled away from the German penalty box, unharmed. Another opportunity gone begging for the Australians.
