Mary Fowler sends Aussies to World Cup on high as France star Selma Bacha stretchered off
When the Matildas’ squad was announced earlier this month, talismanic captain Sam Kerr was defiant. “We’re ready,” she proclaimed. On the evidence of Friday night’s friendly in Melbourne, she was right. Australia’s only warm-up match on the eve of the Women’s World Cup was near-perfect preparation, downing European championship semi-finalists France with a solitary strike from substitute Mary Fowler.
With fluid counter-attacking, defensive mettle and composed displays from veterans and newcomers alike, the Matildas appear in fine form ahead of their campaign opener against Ireland next week. Expectations are sky-high, but just six days out from their first home World Cup, the Australians seemed unfazed.
Before a near-capacity crowd of 50,629 – a record attendance for the Matildas on home soil – Australian coach Tony Gustavsson opted for a full-strength line-up. Alanna Kennedy was back in the fold after a nine-month injury-induced absence, while Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord also returned to the starting XI.
Since taking over the Matildas in late 2020, Gustavsson has emphasised the importance of playing against highly-ranked opposition – and this game would be no different. But there was no gulf in class in the opening tussles, as No 5-ranked France struggled to contain the No 10-ranked Australia. It may have been pin-ball football, with neither team able to find a consistent tempo, but it suited Australia all the same.
The Matildas’ attacking quartet of Kerr, Ford, Cortnee Vine and Hayley Raso – aided in large measure part by flying wingbacks Catley and Ellie Carpenter – frequently found space on the counter-attack. Kerr had an early chance with barely two minutes gone, while Foord tried to dribble the ball into goal
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