By Kieran Yap 20/2/25
Above: Grace Kuilamu (8) battles for possession. Photo: Football Australia
The Young Matildas began the Four Nations Tournament with an emphatic 9-0 win over Vanuatu’s senior team at Viking Park.
The match marked the first outing that this group of players have had together, and begins the new cycle for Australia’s Under 20 team.
Sienna Saveska was the major threat in the opening half. The A-League golden boot contender opened the scoring with a shot on the turn, added another just minutes later and set up captain Grace Kuilamu for Australia’s third after her shot hit the crossbar.
Australia dominated possession, and for the most part stayed patient with the ball despite Vanuatu’s deep and compact defence. Before half time, they added another two to their tally. Josie Allan scored to make it four, and Maddie Caspers finished off a flowing move, prodding home after Saveska’s pass.
The second half saw heavy rotation, but that did not interrupt Australia’s momentum of chemistry. India Breier scored with an Olimpico just five minutes after the break. Maya Lobo struck a low effort from long range that beat the Vanuatu goalkeeper.
Mary Stanic-Floody added the final touches on an enjoyable afternoon for Aussie fans. The Canberra United maestro finished off another team move, slamming home from inside the 18 yard box to make it eight.
She then scored the best goal of the day with the final kick of the afternoon. After receiving the ball in midfield, Stanic-Floody launched a missile from around 30 yards that found the back of the net with rare ferocity.
The scorer of the winning goal at the 2022 U18 AFF Cup Final added to her growing list of national team highlights and gave the Viking Park crowd something the remember.
It was great to get out there after a few days training and see how the girls put into practice what we’ve been working on.
Young Matildas interim coach Kory Babington was pleased with the result, but also said tere was room for improvement.
“It’s a good start for the girls,” Babington told the media.
“It’s the first time together as a team for this two year cycle so we will be looking at being a bit tidier with things in the next match.
He highlighted the ability of the platers to absorb information quickly from training and put it into practise and some of their combination play as things to be particularly happy with.
“Playing against those tight, compact defences is something you have to do in world football
“There were some good moments, but just some of that consistency of when and where to go forward quickly or when to combine.
“Against a team that plays so compact, the spaces are limited.
“Space and time on the ball is minimised and it’s difficult to play there. We will work on that and try to be better in the next match.”
Australia made a host of changes throughout the game, and Babbington was pleased but not surprised that at the easy transition between one lineup and another. It bodes well for the depth of this and future squads.
“The girls have adapted and worked well together. They’re a good bunch who’ve known each other in youth development programs for quite a long time.
“They’re quite friendly with each other. It’s easy for them to play because they enjoy each other’s company and just love the game.”
With entry free to all of the Four Nations Tournament games, Babington encouraged fans to come along. They will not only be seeing the best U20 player in Australia right now, but also some of the best players in the A-League Women in action.
“The more that come down, it’s better for the girls.
“Everyone likes playing in front of a crowd. The played some entertaining football today and hopefully the n the weekend it can be better again.”
Vanuatu captain Rita Solomon was philosophical after the loss. This was an opportunity to learn from a very good side and a rare chance to meet a team outside of Oceania.
“It’s a tough one,” she told the media.
“But like a said earlier it’s a privilege. It’s also my first time playing A-League players so it’s a good start for the tournament and the girls as well.
“Now we know where we’re at, like our level. We know our mistakes and we’ll work on that for the next game.
“Playing Australia for our first game is good because then we can work on our mistakes and come back stronger for the Solomon Islands.
Australia’s next game is against The Solomon Islands on Saturday at 6:30pm. Vanuatu will meet Thailand’s U20 side at 3pm. Both games will be at Viking Park.
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