CommBank Matildas stage dramatic comeback for 2-1 victory
The Commonwealth Bank Matildas have maintained their unbeaten streak over Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand with a dramatic 2-1 victory at QCB Stadium, Townsville on Friday night.
An Emily van Egmond strike and Sam Kerr header in second half additional time saw Australia overturn the Kiwi’s stunning first half strike from Anna Green.
Australia started the match how they would continue, with early dominance as rebel Player of the Match Katrina Gorry pulled the strings in her first match for Australia in 788 days.
The Commonwealth Bank Matildas had their first look at goal in the 4th minute when Hayley Raso was played into space only to be denied by Kiwi goalkeeper Victoria Esson. Esson would prove to be a thorn all night for the home side.
A minute later Kyah Simon latched onto the end of an Ellie Carpenter cross only to head just inches wide. Australia kept peppering the New Zealand goal with attempts from Gorry and Kerr all narrowly missing.
The 10th minute saw goalscoring defender Clare Polkinghorne almost add to her tally as the Queenslander forced a fingertip save from Esson from a well weighted Steph Catley cross.
Australia continued to pour on the pressure as the half continued forcing the Kiwis to concede numerous corners only for Esson and A-League Women’s Championship winning defender, Claudia Bunge, to make crucial saves and blocks.
Against the run of play, defender Anna Green put the visitors ahead in the 32nd minute. Hunting down a cross field pass from Meikayla Moore, Green rifled the ball on the angle into the far post side netting for a 1-0 lead.
The Aussies were back on the attack not long after with Carpenter and Kerr combining for a sight at goal. Van Egmond and Kennedy also created half chances heading into the break, but Esson proved a hard obstacle to overcome.
At the half, forward Caitlin Foord entered the fray to make her 100th appearance for Australia, becoming the 14th Australian woman to achieve the feat. The winger instantly made her presence felt as she had a sight of Esson’s goal early in the second stanza. The Commonwealth Bank Matildas once again pinned New Zealand in their own half with a shot count that would end 38 shots to 3.
In the 59th minute a Catley corner fell to Foord at the back post with the 27-year-old’s strike ricocheting off the crossbar to give New Zealand a reprieve. The 60th minute saw Kerr and Fowler combine with the latter’s effort from the top of the 18 yard box tipped over the bar by Esson.
Somehow the Kiwis retained their lead in the 69th minute when Bunge produced a goal-line clearance to deny a goalward Raso effort.
Kennedy was next to go close as the centre back latched onto the end of a square ball from Kerr but the pressure from the Kiwis was enough to see her send the effort wide.
The enormous waves of attack finally saw the New Zealand defence break in the 3rd minute of injury time as Carpenter’s streaming run ended in a cut back to a clear Van Egmond. This time the Football Ferns were unable to deny Australia as they tied up the scoreline.
Not content with the draw, the home side continue to push for a winner, and it came in the 95th minute. Another well-positioned Catley corner fell to Kerr on the edge of the 6-yard box with the captain heading her 57th goal for the national team.
Australia and New Zealand will conclude their two-match international series this Tuesday, 12 April at GIO Stadium, Canberra in the 50th meeting between the two nations.
All the action will be broadcast live and free on 10 Bold and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount+, with coverage to commence from 7:00 pm AEST.
The first match of the Commonwealth Bank Matildas v New Zealand 2022 was proudly supported by Townsville City Council, and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
MATCH DETAILS
Australia 2 (Van Egmond 90+3’, Kerr 90+5’)
New Zealand 1 (Green 32’)
Friday, 8 April 2022
Venue: QCB Stadium, Townsville, Queensland
Kick Off: 7:45pm (AEST)
Referee: Koizumi Asaka (JPN)
Crowd: 10,779
Rebel Player of the Match: Katrina Gorry
Australia Line Up: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 10. Emily VAN EGMOND, 11. Mary FOWLER (13. Tameka YALLOP 78’), 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 16. Hayley RASO (5. Cortnee VINE 90’), 17. Kyah SIMON (9. Caitlin FOORD 45’), 19. Katrina GORRY, 20. Sam KERR, 21. Ellie CARPENTER
SUBS not used: 3. Aivi LUIK, 8. Charlotte GRANT, 12. Teagan MICAH (GK), 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Mackenzie ARNOLD (GK), 22. Alex CHIDIAC, 23. Remy SIEMSEN
UPCOMING EVENTS
Commonwealth Bank Matildas Fan Day
Date: Sunday 10 April
Where: Viking Park, 4 Amsinck Street, Wanniassa ACT 2903
Details available here
Commonwealth Bank Matildas v New Zealand
Tuesday, 12 April 2022
Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick Off: 7.45pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 Bold and simulcast on 10 Play and Paramount+.
Ticketing Details: www.ticketek.com.au
$1 (plus GST) from every ticket will be donated to the ParaMatildas, Australia’s first national team for women and girls with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms from stroke.