Australia edged closer to claiming a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after a well-deserved draw with their trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand.
The match kicked off on a sour note for the Matildas, who fell behind early on when Raso's blistering counterattack found an opening. However, Australia's starlet, Gorry, quickly cancelled out the damage with a piercing shot just outside the box that went wide. The Aussies responded in kind, with Cooney-Cross unleashing a powerful strike from 20 yards but it sailed high over the crossbar.
As the match entered its midpoint, both teams began to settle into a rhythm. Australia's Heatley produced excellent defensive work, helping her team stay ahead of New Zealand's pressing attackers, while Raso showcased her pace and skill in leaving opponents for dead.
The decisive moment came when Hahn's errant pass was seized upon by Australian striker, Gorry, who slotted past the defender to slot home the equaliser. The crowd erupted as Australia claimed their first goal against New Zealand this year.
For a brief period, both teams looked evenly matched but ultimately it was the Matildas' ability to exploit space and precision that told in the end. With each passing minute, they appeared more cohesive and in sync with one another. As for New Zealand, despite their spirited efforts, their inability to capitalize on counterattacks proved costly.
With both sides showing glimpses of brilliance and disappointment, the match ended 1-0 in Australia's favor – a result that should leave fans optimistic about their team's chances at the upcoming World Cup.
The match kicked off on a sour note for the Matildas, who fell behind early on when Raso's blistering counterattack found an opening. However, Australia's starlet, Gorry, quickly cancelled out the damage with a piercing shot just outside the box that went wide. The Aussies responded in kind, with Cooney-Cross unleashing a powerful strike from 20 yards but it sailed high over the crossbar.
As the match entered its midpoint, both teams began to settle into a rhythm. Australia's Heatley produced excellent defensive work, helping her team stay ahead of New Zealand's pressing attackers, while Raso showcased her pace and skill in leaving opponents for dead.
The decisive moment came when Hahn's errant pass was seized upon by Australian striker, Gorry, who slotted past the defender to slot home the equaliser. The crowd erupted as Australia claimed their first goal against New Zealand this year.
For a brief period, both teams looked evenly matched but ultimately it was the Matildas' ability to exploit space and precision that told in the end. With each passing minute, they appeared more cohesive and in sync with one another. As for New Zealand, despite their spirited efforts, their inability to capitalize on counterattacks proved costly.
With both sides showing glimpses of brilliance and disappointment, the match ended 1-0 in Australia's favor – a result that should leave fans optimistic about their team's chances at the upcoming World Cup.
. They need to keep building on this momentum and not get too high or low, but for now, I'm feeling pretty positive about their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup hopes 
. Gorry is literally an ace, and her goal was a total game-changer! But what impressed me most was how their team came together in the second half – it's like they found that extra gear 
️. New Zealand had some great moments too, though 
. I'm definitely feeling optimistic about Australia's chances at the World Cup now 
They've been working so hard and it's finally paying off. I mean, that Raso girl is a beast on the field 
. And Gorry's shot was insane! 
But what really impressed me was how well the team worked together. They were all connected and it showed in the way they moved up and down the pitch.
. The Matildas are definitely on the rise and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them 
.
Anyway, I guess it's all good now, though - Australia looks pretty solid for the World Cup! 
️
. Australia showed they can compete with anyone if they play like that - all over the pitch, not just one or two players making the difference 
. It's also a sign that they've got depth and quality beyond Gorry, who was absolutely unstoppable out there 
. Can't wait to see them take on some top-tier teams at the World Cup!