By Kieran Yap 26/10/25
Above: Caitlin Foord and Courtney Nevin for Australia. Photo: Football Australia
Australia have begun the latest international window with a 2-1 win over Cymru in Cardiff.
Goals to Courtney Nevin and Caitlin Foord secured the victory despite a classy second half finish from Mared Griffiths.
Joe Montemurro had an almost full strength lineup at his disposal, but vice captains Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter were kept in reserve, with Nevin and Kaitlyn Torpey chosen over the rested stars.
Winonah Heatley started in central defence, partnering Clare Hunt with Montemurro placing trust in the paid who have both been in the first XI at their respective clubs.
The Matildas midfield was a combination of Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross. The World Cup partnership was reunited for the first time since the Paris Olympics but were anchored by Clare Wheeler. The Everton captain finally getting her chance to impress the new coach.
In attack, the headlines were made. Sam Kerr was in the starting lineup. The returning superstar was flanked by Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso who wore the armband in her 100th cap.
Montemurro had forecast a possession based game, but it was obvious from kickoff that it should not be confused with slow play.
Australia tried to move the ball quickly to wide attacking areas. Although for the most part the ball was kept on the ground, the passes were often direct and aggressive.
Heatley’s ability with both feet was a real asset in bringing the ball out of defence and the overlapping Torpey was energetic on the right.
The opening goal for fortuitous. Nevin curled a free kick into the near post, and Kerr’s typically well timed run did enough to distract the goalkeeper and allow the ball to fly into the net.
Jess Fishlock came close to an equaliser in her farewell game, but her excellent half volley was caught by Teagan Micah.
Despite being the more attacking of the two teams, Australia’s style and movement still came with risks. In the 55th minute Cymru took advantage.
Nevin was caught high up the pitch, and the rest of the defence were equally out of position when Griffiths was allowed space at the back of the penalty box and time to turn.
Despite this, the finish was all class as she lofted the ball over Micah with a perfect chip.
Australia made some changes midway through the second half. Carpenter, Holly McNamara and Amy Sayer all entered the game. Alanna Kennedy also came on into midfield and all the substitutes made an impact.
Kennedy’s presence allowed Cooney-Cross to play a more advanced role and the Arsenal midfielder was on the end of a move involving Carpenter that gave her space to cross for Foord to shoot at the top of the six-yard box.
The goal was enough to win the match and boost confidence, but as always there are pros and cons to any performance.
As good as the wingers were, Australia’s attack looked a little repetitive.
The main Matildas plan of attack looked to be getting it wide and cutting the ball back to the goalmouth.
This did eventually result in the winning shot, and makes sense as a plan A because Raso and Foord are two of Australia’s best and most consistent players, but ideally they will need to find other ways to create chances.
Over time the development of players like Daniela Galic, the return of Mary Fowler and the potential use of Emily Van Egmond may improve this.
In defence, Heatley was a stand out. She is fast, two-footed, brave in possession and well positioned without the ball.
The Roma centre back is already a fan favourite and an equally impressive outing against England should cement her position as the first choice central defender or best understudy should Catley take up that role.
Defensively, Australia were solid in formation, but a better team would punish some of the turnovers and occasional errors.
Overall, this was a strong if unspectacular performance, but that is to be expected with a team and manager still finding their best combinations.
The issue remains that time is running out to do that, but on the strength of this win, it looks like things are headed in the right direction.
Lineups: Cymru: Middleton-Patel, Evan’s, Ingle, Zimmerman, Holland, James, Fishlock, Cain, Ladd, M Griffiths, Morgan. Substitutes: Clark, Soper, Estcourt, Scarlett, Ross, Filby, Hill, A Griffiths, Jones, Hughes, Teisar, Mcateer.
Goals: M Griffiths 55’
Australia : Micah, Nevin, Heatley, Hunt, Torpey, Wheeler, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Raso, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Catley, Grant, Siemsen, Rankin, Carpenter, Heyman, Sayer, Kennedy, McNamara, Vine.
Goals: Courtney Nevin 27′, Caitlin Foord 85′
Referee: TBC
Attendance: TBC
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