Australia Under 23’s 0-3 Germany U20’s.
By Kieran Yap 3/6/24
Australia lost their second game of the four nations tournament in much the same fashion as the first game to Sweden.
An unlucky own goal, a turnover deep in defence and then an excellent finish from long range decided the result, while the ball seemed pre-determined not to go in at the other end.
Australia started brightly with Kahli Johnson’s effort forcing a strong save from the German goalkeeper. The Western United striker almost finished an excellent end-to-end move that used a combination of players and passes to unlock the German defence. The eventual effort was forced away for a corner, but the German defence dealt with it easily.
In the 30th minute, misfortune struck. A low cross from the left spun off Alexia Apostolakis’ foot, up into the air and across the goal line. It was an own goal that defied physics, both in the distance that the ball travelled that the height that it reached. It was a desperately unlicky way to concede and could likely never be replicated.
Daniela Galic came closest to levelling the scores before half time. Australia forced a turnover in their penalty area and Galic feigned a shot, then cut into space to create the opening. Her effort was saved.
Australia continued to attack, but a succession of corners did not yield a result. Like the Swedes in the opening match, Germany were simply more clinical when the chances presented themselves.
For much of the game, Australia’s high risk passing game was both entertaining, and effective, even if it did provide for some nail biting moments. Chloe Lincoln’s footwork is a marvel to watch, but with very few A-League clubs playing with this tactic it is fraught with danger. Just after half time, The German’s latched onto a wayward pass from Lincoln and Sophie Natchigall made it 2-0.
Dilara Acikgöz scored the third goal in the 60th minute with a thunderous effort from the edge of the box. That was one unstoppable.
Australia created enough chances to warrant a better result than 3-0, but could not finish what they created. They were not outclassed around the pitch though, and a little less hesitancy in the final third will hopefully see them open their account in the next game against Poland.
Australia’s Under 23’s play Poland at the much more friendly time on 9pm on Tuesday night.
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