Game-day two saw Australia take on the USA in the hopes of qualifying for the quarter final.
Prior to the match, the United States had already qualified, and Australia needed a draw or a win for a chance to progress. In addition to a draw or win, Australia were also counting on Zambia AND group A’s Canada drawing or losing if they wanted to move on.
The two sides also clashed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics group stage, ending in a 0-0 draw, before later meeting again during the 3rd place playoff, with the United States coming out with a bronze medal after a 4-3 victory.
First Half - USA takes the lead.
Just 4 minutes into the final group stage game, Sam Coffey picked herself up a yellow card, meaning she will miss their quarter final match against Japan.
In the opening 15 minutes, the USA took just over 70% of possession, keeping a high press, but were yet to take an attempt at goal. The first attempt of the game came 25 minutes in from Mary Fowler, who is yet to score at this Olympics, with the shot just drifting wide of the right post.
The US finally had an attempt from Mallory Swanson, which was easily stopped by Mackenzie Arnold, resulting in the first corner of the game, which was also blocked by Arnold.
A rapid break from the US sees a powerful strike from NJ/NY Gotham FC’s Crystal Dunn, which is tipped over the bar by Arnold. The dangerously close attempt then led to a spectacular save by Arnold, with a goal line clearance of Horan’s header from just 3 yards out.
The opening goal of the game came 44 minutes in, from an excellent corner leading to a tap-in by Trinity Rodman, putting the United States ahead. The goal stood despite a double VAR check. The Australian manager Tony Gustavsson was then booked after an attempt to appeal the VAR decision.
There was a second chance for America at the end of the ten minutes of extra time during the first half which came to no avail, as Rose Lavelle’s cross did not meet Sophia Smith, and finally another three chances from Swanson, which were easily saved by the Australian brick wall.
High quality play was seen from both teams during the first half, however, the US proved to be the more dominant side with a higher number of chances on goal, leaving the Matildas behind at the break.
Second Half - Is the comeback on?
A promising shot from Naomi Girma, who has never scored for the United States, falls just wide of the right post. A weak shot from free agent Hayley Raso is effortlessly stopped by Alyssa Naeher. It was only Australia’s second shot of the game, meanwhile the US had 7, one of which leading to a goal. Another ambitious shot by Sophia Smith is stopped by Mackenzie Arnold.
In the 67th minute, the third yellow card of the game was issued to substitute Korbin Albert for bringing Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord to the ground. Just 10 minutes later, Albert scored her first ever international goal, adding a second goal to America’s lead.
Just millimetres and the woodwork stood between the US and their third goal. Portland Thorns’ Sophia Smith’s shot ricocheted off the left post, bounced onto the goal line and deflected away off the right post.
A backwards header from Captain Catley is just short of reaching Canberra United FC’s Michelle Heyman.
And finally, the goal the Australian’s have been waiting for comes from Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy in the 92nd minute. Kennedy merely misses a second goal, after failing to connect with the ball.
Overall, incredible play from both teams, with the US coming out on top overall. The Matilda's fate now falls on Canada’s shoulders, needing the North American team to draw or lose in order to progress.
20 shots from the Americans and only 5 from the Aussies showed the true dominance of this game.
A tough fixture for the Matildas, which they’ve only won once in their 8 previous meetings, but they powered on as best they could. As for the US, under new coach Emma Hayes, they will be heading to their quarter final match against Japan, who placed second in their group.
Starting XIs:
Australia: Arnold; Torpey, Gorry, Catley [C], Cooney-Cross, Foord, Fowler, Carpenter, Kennedy, Hunt, Raso
USA: Naeher; Fox, Girma, Rodman, Dunn, Swanson, Horan [C], Smith, Sonnett, Lavelle, Coffey
Featured image courtesy of LordOfThisWorld via Flickr. No changes have been made to this image. License details found here.
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