Game Overview
During a thrilling cross-border female football exhibition match, the Matildas took on the Football Ferns in a much awaited contest. The match started with each side exerting feverish pressure from the initial stages.
Important Events from the Match
Early Stages
2 minutes: Australia started by patiently building moving the ball defensively before a misplaced delivery found the feet a Football Ferns attacker. The visitors attacked swiftly and had a chance with some chaotic play around the 18-yard box before Caitlin Foord and Van Egmond launched a counter-attack.
At 4 minutes: Sayer passed to Raso just approaching the box but she was unable to locate a way through.
6 minutes: It was mentioned that Sam Kerr was suffering from muscle discomfort and was absent from pre-match preparations. Katrina Gorry lost possession in the midfield and gave up a free kick.
Close Calls
During the 8th minute: The Matildas regained some composure working out from the back. A penetrating pass connected with Foord who flicked it on expertly to Raso with space ahead. She directed her effort beyond the upright. She definitely had opportunity for better control, that was a significant wasted opportunity.
10 minutes: A bit of back and forth in the visitors' defensive area. Australia looked comfortable to just be patient, exploiting breakaways as is their characteristic style.
First Score
At 12 minutes: First blood to Australia! 1-0 (Sayer, minute 12)
Beautiful free kick from on the half-way line over the top of the backline. The deflected clearance put the ball at Gorry's position and she composed Clare Sayer to her side who composed herself and directed it precisely beyond the keeper.
Continued Action
16 minutes: The Football Ferns' Jacqui Brown makes a run down the right and gets off a quality delivery which is cleared without trouble by Heatley.
18 minutes: The visitors have been energised by conceding an early goal. They're applying the pressure and testing Arnold and her rear guard effectively for the initial instance. Ria Foster takes corner for the Ferns but Carpenter and fellow defenders resolve the situation.
Game Background
The encounter showcased both teams' fighting qualities despite its exhibition status. Following the initial breakthrough, the match evolved as a engaging encounter with each team producing scoring possibilities throughout the opening period.
