WAIS football scholarship holders Samantha Kerr and Marianna Tabain were both involved in the Young Matildas (U-19) 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts China in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) U-19 Women’s Championships last weekend.
A third WAIS scholarship holder in Ella Mastrantonio was an unused substitute at the Hankou Sports Culture Stadium in Wuhan, China.
Facing the home nation in front of a passionate crowd was always going to prove a difficult prospect for the Young Matildas but the visitors forced the early pace, nearly staking an early lead after Elise Kellond-Knightwas denied by the outstretched foot of the Chinese goalkeeper.
China capitalised on Australia’s missed chance, finding the back of the net after 10 minutes through Lou Jiahui, who was left unmarked on the line after Australia had failed to clear the danger.
Australia came close to finding an equalising goal in the 38th minute through a Kellond-Knight freekick, but the goalkeeper was able to pull off a fingertip save to deny the Young Matildas.
Jiahui doubled China’s advantage in the 42nd minute following a quick break down the left wing leaving Australia with a difficult task to pull themselves back into the match in the second half.
But fightback they did, after WAIS athlete Samantha Kerr had the beating of the home defence on the right wing to send a perfect cross into the penalty box for Australian forward Kyah Simon, who struck home an impressive volley for a 2-1 score-line.
Australia continued to mount pressure on the home defence and was aggrieved by the decision not to award a penalty following a foul inside the area, which the referee signalled instead as a freekick outside the area.
Tensions spilled over following the full-time whistle with an altercation taking place on the pitch, leaving Australian players requiring a police escort off the field as home supporters launched water bottles to vent their displeasure.
Australian coach Alen Stajic commented after the game that that sort of behaviour had no place in sport.
“Sport is played by two equal teams battling for sporting supremacy, not that kind of behaviour. On the field, off the field, it’s not good enough,” Stajic said.
Earlier in the campaign, Australia was held to a 1-1 draw with Japan in a close contest. Japan’s Mana Iwabuchi created the biggest talking point with a sensational 25 yard strike that curled into the top corner of the Australian net, before Kyah Simon restored parity in the 88th minute with a well taken header to earn the Young Matildas a share of the points.
The Young Matildas will next meetChinese Taipei tomorrow (Wednesday 5 August)in theAFC U-19Women’s Championships 2009.The Championships serve as the qualifying championship for next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. The Young Matildas will need to win by more than five goals, and rely on a win by China over Japan, to progress to the semi-finals.
