Matildas Keep Rio Hopes Alive with Germany Draw
Football: Australia 2 – 2 Germany – Day 1
Athlete: Lisa De Vanna, Sam Kerr
Venue: Arena Corinthians
Australia has shown great character but narrowly missed out on a famous triumph after a 2-2 draw with world number two Germany at Arena Corinthians this evening.
Samantha Kerr and Caitlin Foord’s first half goals were responded to by Sara Daebritz and Saskia Bartusiak, the latter of which occurred in the dying minutes.
Despite coming within moments of a breakthrough result, Australia’s campaign is now back on track somewhat after their heartening show against women’s football superpower.
37,475 spectators packed into Arena Corinthians for the encounter and set an electric backdrop that was more than matched by both teams throughout 90 pulsating minutes.
Having felt the wrath of a slow start against Canada three days ago, Australia turned the tables on this occasion, starting emphatically and posting an advantage inside six minutes.
It was a vintage Foord midfield burst that set the scene for Australia’s opener.
The 21-year-old from Wollongong was at her slippery best to evade the attentions of several counterparts before providing Kerr with a well measured through ball.
Kerr fairly slammed her first time effort into the back of the net – Australia’s first women’s football goal at an Olympic Games since Lisa De Vanna’s quarter final effort against Sweden in Patras twelve years ago.
It was De Vanna – the only dual-Olympian in the women’s football ranks – that showcased her peerless quality at this level on the stroke of half time to double Australia’s advantage.
De Vanna nutmegged her opposite before squaring to Foord, who glanced her connection expertly past the advancing German keeper.
The two-goal buffer would last only seconds, however, as Germany replied in first half stoppage time through Daebritz to ensure a gripping second stanza.
Both sides traded chances throughout the second period, though seldom did Australia relinquish control of the game to their fancied opponent.
Foord and substitute Michelle Heyman maintained Australia’s attacking threat, while goalkeeper Lydia Williams was equally telling at the opposite end.
Until, Bartusiak equalised from a goalmouth scramble near the end of regulation time to leave the Australians to lament two points dropped, but a point earned none the less.
Australia’s final group match against Zimbabwe will take place at Salvador’s Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova on Tuesday 9 August. Kick off is at 4pm (Wednesday 10 August, 5am AEST).
Ben Coonan
olympics.com.au