Mexico 0–2 Australia (10/04/24)
By Ben Carey
Above: Hayley Raso maintains possession of the ball against a Mexican defender, just before scoring the Matildas’ opening goal. Photo: Matildas.
The Matildas recorded a big win over a spirited Mexico on a warm Sunday evening in San Antonio, Texas. The Matildas were up against one of the in-form teams of the Americas. Last year Mexico won the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games, and just last month beat the USA 2-0 in the inaugural Gold Cup, before bowing out to Brazilin the semifinals. The Matildas came into the match plagued by injury. Key players such as Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, Aivi Luik, Courtney Nevin, and Emily Gielnik all sidelined due to short or long-term injuries. But that also made it the perfect opportunity to test out the depth of the squad and try out some new tactics as well.
Mexico made the more energetic start of the two sides, playing a high press that caused the Matildas, who were determined to play out from the back, a few early headaches. In the 7th minute, a goal kick from Mackenzie Arnold, deflected off a Mexican player and rebounded towards Australia’s goals. Luckily it sailed over the top. But it was a real wake up call.
The Matildas well and truly answered the call. Two minutes later, Caitlin Foord made a good run down the left flank and hit a quality pass into Hayley Raso just at the edge of the 18-yard box. Raso was strong enough to keep possession with a Mexican defender bearing down on her, swivel, and then lash a shot past the Mexican keeper at the near post. It was a phenomenal goal that will probably be close to the top of her already impressive career highlights showreel.
After conceding the first goal, Mexico tightened up their defences. What followed was a series of very entertaining midfield skirmishes between the two sides. Both sides created some good half chances. It’s fair to say that Mexico probably had the more promising chances though. Around the 40-minutemark, consistent pressure from Mexico resulted in an excellent long shot from Mexican star player, Lizbeth Ovalle, that drew a spectacular jumping save from Arnold. A Matildas corner just before the half time break turned into a very promising counterattack for Mexico. There was some great build up play, but the final product was far from threatening to the Matildas backline or Arnold. The Matildas took a slim 1-0 lead into halftime.
Both sides came out with the same intensity in the second half. Mexico pressing for an equaliser, and the Matildas fighting just as hard for an insurance goal. It would be the Australian side who would prevail, just seven minutes into the second half. A well weighted pass from Steph Catley found her Arsenal teammate, Foord, who continued haunting the defenders on the left-hand side of the pitch. She dribbled the ball into the box and used some exceptional footwork to craft enough space for herself to take a shot on goals. Her shot curled beautifully past the Mexican defenders and goalkeeper into the side netting.
After the second goal, the Matildas had a firm grip on the match, but they didn’t sit back and accept a 2-0 win, they kept pressing for another goal. There were a few good half chances from the likes of Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler. But Mexico’s defence and keeper were equal to them. In the final 10 minutes, Mexico had a very real chance of getting one goal back. Matildas rising star, Kyra Cooney-Cross, tried to dribble out of the box but was disposed by a Mexican attacker, who immediately lashed a shot at goals. Fortunately, Arnold bailed her out with a strong save.
All in all, it was an entertaining match that both sides will take a lot from, especially the Matildas who are just over three months away from beginning their Paris Olympics campaign. The win in Texas will help prepare the Matildas for the warm playing conditions expected in Paris. Additionally, the match gave them the opportunity to test their squad depth and experiment with new tactics against a high-quality team. It also provided Tony Gustavsson with more valuable insights that will help him choose the tiny 18-player squad that will go to the Paris Olympics.
Australia will play two international friendlies against China at home on May 31 and June 3. This will presumably be their last official matches before the Olympics training camp begins.
Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Arnold, Catley, Torpey, Foord, Van Egmond, Kennedy, Fowler, Raso, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross, Heyman. Substitutes: Whyman, Micah, Heatley, Wheeler, Sayer, Polkinghorne, Grant, Vine, Yallop, Freier.
Scorers: Raso 9’, Foord 52’.
MEXICO (4-3–3): Barreras, Bernal, R. Reyes, Torres, Martinez, Ferral, M. Reyes, Delgado, Ordonez, Ovalle, Camberos. Substitutes: Espino, Velasco, Orejel, Rodriguez, Hernandez, Luna, Nieto, Perez, Sanchez, Palacios, Pelayo, Casarez.
Referee: Natalie Simon (USA).
Attendance: 7,163.
impetusfootball.org 