Matildas Unlucky in 1-0 World Cup Loss to Brazil
Lady luck deserted the Matildas in its opening FIFA Women’s World Cup match following a 1-0 loss to Brazil at the M√∂nchengladbach Stadium in Germany on Wednesday. Head coach Tom Sermanni gave 16-year-old Caitlin Foord and 17-year-old Emily van Egmond a spot in his starting line-up.
WAIS athlete Collette McCallum vice-captained the squad, whilst fellow WAIS scholarship holder Sam Kerr was introduce off the bench in the second half.
The Matildas were the better side in the first half and created numerous opportunities upfront but were unlucky not to find the back of the net. Brazil came back strongly after the break and scored the only goal of the match in the 54th minute through Rosana.
The Matildas had the first chance of the match when Daiane committed a professional foul on Lisa De Vanna just outside the box but Collette McCallum’s free kick went over the bar. Brazil responded straight away and from a cross on the left, Ester managed to get a header on target but Matildas Melissa Barbieri had it covered.
Kyah Simon had her chance to put the Matildas ahead in the 23rd minute. Elise Kellond-Knight’s pass was collected by Simon at the edge of the box but she fired her shot straight at the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The Matildas were given a reality check three minutes later. A cross from the left found Cristiane who managed to scramble a pass to an unmarked Rosana in the six yard box but she ballooned her shot.
Brazil’s captain almost presented De Vanna with the chance to put the Matildas ahead ten minutes before half time. Aline lost possession of the ball to De Vanna and with De Vanna running past the last line of defence, she lost her footing to send her shot off target.
With Australia having more of the possession and opportunities in the first half, the half time whistle couldn’t come at a better time for the Brazilians.
Brazil returned to the pitch more determined and were relieved to finally find the net in the 54th minute. The Australian defence failed to clear a bouncing ball as Cristiane headed the ball into the path of Rosana. Rosana’s first touch eliminated Tameka Butt before firing the ball home.
The goal disrupted the Matildas’ rhythm and coach Tom Sermanni brought on Sally Shipard and Sam Kerr in search for the equaliser. The substitution almost paid off for the Matildas. Shipard’s through ball found Butt through on goal but Heather Garriock failed to get to the end of Butt’s cross.
De Vanna once again wasted a golden opportunity three minutes from time. A long ball from defence put her through and with only the goalkeeper to beat, she fired her shot into the sky.
In the dying seconds of the match, the Matildas were awarded a corner. McCallum cross hit a few players in the box before it was cleared by the Brazilian defence as referee Jenny Palmqvist blew the final whistle of the match.
Speaking after the match, Tom Sermanni was disappointed with the result but very proud of the performance of the Matildas.
“It was frustrating but great effort from the players. I am disappointed with the result but very proud of the performance. We nearly got something in the end.”
“It was cruel to concede the goal, there were chances in both ends and that’s football.”
Matildas striker, Kyah Simon shared the same sentiments with her coach.
“The youngster came together and said to go out there and play football. All credit to the girls and we fought all the way to the end.”
“We must now focus in the next game and win the game against Norway and Equatorial Guinea and go through.”
–FFA
