Matildas Suffer Defeat in Rio Olympic Opener

Result: Australia 0 – 2 Canada

Who: Lisa De Vanna, Sam Kerr

Where: Arena Corinthians

Australia has lost its opening match of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games 2-0 to London 2012 bronze medallists Canada at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo.

A defensive mix-up between Australia’s centre-half pairing after just 20 seconds gifted Canada the lead through Janine Beckie, before a second half strike to Christine Sinclair sealed the three points.

With all the pre-tournament hype for the Matildas focused on medal ambition, it took less than 30 seconds for Australia to be put on the ropes, after a miscommunication between Clare Polkinghorne and Laura Alleway led to Beckie receiving a back-post tap in from point blank range.

Hopes of a Matildas comeback were boosted on 19 minutes when former Perth Glory footballer Shelina Zadorsky was shown a straight red card for preventing a goal scoring opportunity for Michelle Hayman.

Sam Kerr showed plenty of enthusiasm for the Aussies – who dominated the rest of the opening 45 minutes, but they could not fashion a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Kerr was substituted at half-time as she continues her comeback from a foot injury, and with her exit, Australia struggled to find an attacking outlet, despite the extra player advantage.

WA’s Lisa De Vanna was introduced on the hour mark, but it was Canada that had the opportunity to double their advantage, after a handball from Caitlin Foord was punished with a penalty kick.

Matildas’ stopper Lydia Williams saved the penalty to keep the Australians in the match, but the hero turned villain just moments later, as she came charging from her goal to close down a counter attack, only to see Canada’s striker – Christine Sinclair reach the ball first and send it into an empty net on 78 minutes to earn victory for the world number 10 ranked side.

The Aussies controlled 59% of possession and managed 12 shots on target to Canada’s four, but on the balance of quality in goal scoring opportunities created and taken, Australia can have few complaints with the outcome.

Australia next face Germany on August 6, needing to avoid defeat to keep alive any hopes of reaching the quarter final stage.