WATCH: CommBank Matildas defeat energetic Mexico 2-0

The CommBank Matildas have defeated Mexico 2-0 in a high-tempo affair in San Antonio, Texas.

Goals to Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord got the job done in a tough environment against an energetic, high-pressing Mexican team.

Head coach Tony Gustavsson named a largely familiar side for this one-off game in the April international window. Steph Catley slotted into centre-back to replace the injured Clare Hunt, meaning that Kaitlyn Torpey started at left-back.

Meanwhile, Emily van Egmond started in midfield alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross, while Michelle Heyman reprised her role leading the line in Sam Kerr’s absence.

The game began at a frenetic pace. Gustavsson had cited Mexico’s pressing game as a large part of the appeal of the match from a preparation perspective, and they showed that quality almost immediately.

Australia’s commitment to playing through the press caused some heart-in-mouth moments, but soon paid off. Caitlin Foord found some space on the left-hand side after a mazy run in the 9th minute of play. Hayley Raso received the ball on the edge of the area and after some lovely footwork, produced a low shot into the bottom corner.

Mexico goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras got a hand to the strike but was unable to keep it out, and the CommBank Matildas took the lead.

Much of the rest of the half was played in the CommBank Matildas defensive third. While Mexico did not produce any clear-cut opportunities, their press created a constant threat that Australia was determined to meet by playing through the lines from the back.

Ellie Carpenter on the right-hand side was vital, presenting a consistent outlet to overcome the pressure from the Mexican front-line.

Tigres UANL’s Alexia Delgado came closest for Mexico during this period, but the CommBank Matildas went into the break with a one-goal lead.

The CommBank Matildas had a remarkable 84.3% passing accuracy in the first half, their second-highest in the last eight years – an incredibly impressive stat considering the pressure that those passes were often under.

The second half began with renewed purpose for Australia. Mary Fowler and Emily van Egmond both had chances early, and it was the team in green and gold who were in the ascendancy.

It would be Foord who would double Australia’s lead. It was a move that fans have seen time and time again – cutting in from the left-hand side, dropping the shoulder, and leaving her defender in her wake. On this occasion, her shot from the edge of the area was hit to perfection, curling into the corner at the far post.

Mexico continued to have chances of their own. Their best came through substitute Jasmine Casarez, who in the 57th minute found space in the area to have a clear shot, but only hit the side netting. She would later have a golden chance after a dangerous turnover in Australia’s defensive third, but hit it straight at Arnold.

The 60th minute saw three changes with Clare Polkinghorne replacing Steph Catley at centre-back, Cortnee Vine replacing Hayley Raso on the right side of midfield, and Clare Wheeler coming on for Michelle Heyman. Van Egmond took position up front, while Wheeler slotted into midfield alongside Cooney-Cross.

Some fantastic build-up play involving Vine could have seen the lead expand to three. Vine, van Egmond, and Carpenter were involved on the right-hand side, with some wonderful one-touch passing creating space for Carpenter to whip in a cross. It found Fowler free at the back post, who was just unable to control her header.

The 80th minute saw Charli Grant replace an impressive Kaitlyn Torpey at left-back, while seven minutes later, Sharn Freier became CommBank Matilda #228, replacing Kyra Cooney-Cross.

In the end it was an enjoyable match for fans and a valuable hit-out for the CommBank Matildas in the lead-up to Paris 2024.