USA 2-1 Australia
By Kieran Petrik-Bruce 1/8/24
Above: Ellie Carpenter in action for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.
Til it’s Done
It’s a saying that has become the call for Matildas and fans alike. It’s applicable on and off the field. In the 11 goal thriller over Zambia it was evident. Two goals down against USA it was alive, and came so close to getting that vital point. The cruelty of football being that the Matildas put in their best performance in what was a pulsating defeat.
With a different approach to this game, playing Kaitlyn Torpey on the left, having both Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross in deeper roles, and Mary Fowler up top Australia looked more compact in defence, and when they got the ball right out wide, looked threatening with the best chance in the first 20 minutes.
In the next 20 minutes, USA peppered the goal, getting a lot of joy down the right-hand side, and forcing Mackenzie Arnold into a number of top quality saves. Then, chaos. A set piece and a goal for the USA. Australian pleading for the flag, Tony Gustavsson more so than most, earning a yellow which he sarcastically clapped. After a lengthy pause, to check for what could be argued was offside due to interference. The goal stood. The delay led to an extended first half which so nothing really eventful.
Second half saw USA start strong. Cooney-Cross off for Clare Wheeler, and the beginnings of signs that Australia may crumble looked likely. Yet, this was not the same team who shipped eight goals in the last two games. More resolute and willing, the Matildas fought back. Creating chances and when Michelle Heyman and Emily van Egmond came on, the attack had bite. It had a direction and the Aussie crowd was had been loud and energetic all evening upped the volume.
USA rang through the changes, looking for more stability and a way forward.
Then. Heartbreak for Tillies. A misplaced pass was latched onto and Korbin Albert hit a sensational strike into the top corner the fingertips of Arnold not keep it out.
Desperate to keep their fate in their hands, the Tillies lifted. Hayley Raso throwing herself around to the point of injury to further the cause. Tameka Yellop on, and Australia kept on fighting. 90 minutes ticked over and the chances looked slim. Turn to defender-turned back up striker Alanna Kennedy to finish smartly home from a Heyman-headed ball. Pandemonium.
The crowd was on its feet, the possibility of that second goal looked tantalising close, and another ball whipped in went agonisingly close to Kennedy’s head again. Wave after wave of attack and a late corner deep into seven minutes of injury time meant Arnold joined the attack, to find that moment that would bring joy to a nation.
Alas it wasn’t to be. The corner amounted to nothing and the final whistle shortly after signalled the fate out of their hand and the Tillies done for 2024 Olympics.
Teams: AUSTRALIA (5-4-1): Arnold, Catley, Hunt, Kennedy, Torpey, Carpenter, Foord, Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Fowler, Raso. Substitutes: Yallop (for Raso 85′), van Egmond (for Gorry 59′), Wheeler (for Cooney-Cross 46′), Heyman (for Torpey 59′).
Scorer: Kennedy 90+1′.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (4-3-3): Naeher, Dunn, Sonnett, Girma, Fox, Horan, Coffey, Lavelle, Swanson, Smith, Rodman. Substitutes: Williams (for Rodman 65′), Bethune (for Swanson 80′), Albert (for Lavelle 65′), Krueger (for Fox 65′), Nighswonger (for Dunn 46′).
Scorers: Rodman 43′, Albert 77′.
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