The Olympic quarter finals continued with a bang at Kashima stadium, as the Matildas took on Great Britain in a roller coaster of a game that was decided in extra time. With Matildas finishing third place in group G, they might have been considered the underdogs in playing Great Britain who topped group E, with two wins and a draw.
Over the past few games, the Matildas have proven themselves worthy of the Olympic podium, with a draw against last opponents, USA. Despite finishing lower in the group stage, Great Britain prepared for a tough match against the Aussies, as they took on their unique 3-4-3 formation.
The match saw teammates become rivals. Many of the players start alongside one another in the WSL competition, such as attacking duo Kerr and Kirby, and defenders Catley and Williamson. This meant friendships must be left off the pitch, as there could only be one winner.
Match: Matildas vs Great Britain
Matildas coach, Tony Gustavsson has shown much adaptability with his side so far in the three matches. Their ability to change formations and use different players from the bench, allows the team to set up differently when need be, making it difficult for oppositions to know what to expect.
Great Britain on the other hand have already snatched up seven points amongst the group stage, led by coach Hege Riise. The team has proven to be strong in building up from the backline and solid all-round, with Manchester City defender Steph Houghton continuing her captaincy role since 2014.
This is the first time in history both teams have played each other, and as neither team have progressed past the quarter finals in the Olympics, each are hungry to win.
The Matildas centre forward, Sam Kerr, has proven herself to be a star goal scorer, with scoring 21 goals out of 22 league games for her English side, Chelsea. The centre forward is just two goals off Lisa De Vanna’s record for the national team and will be looking to top this in tonight’s match.
The commencement of the match saw a strong continuous battle down the right-wing between Raso and Hemp, with Great Britain’s first real chance at goal coming into the fourth minute.
The Matildas initial high press didn’t allow much time for Great Britain’s backline to be on the ball, forcing mistakes or frantic balls over the top.
The decision from Gustavsson to start Kennedy in defence was probably based on her experience, pace and ability to track down Great Britain’s quick attack. Kennedy faced battles both on the ground and in the air, which were successfully achieved by using her body against strong attackers, like Manchester City forward Ellen White.
Despite a few early chances for the Matildas, Great Britain were finally able to move the ball around and keep possession after the first 10 minutes. This opened up more chances for Hemp in the pockets, in between Matilda lines. This saw the left-footer face fellow 21-year-old, Ellie Carpenter, down the left side of the pitch in multiple 1v1 battles.
The first nail-biting moment of the match came from Walsh hitting the post in the 14th minute. Her long-range shot just missed the bottom left corner, proving to be a stretch for keeper, Teagan Micah. Amongst this spell of chances, the Matildas seemed to be startled by the immense attack, ensuring that their individual efforts were key to not fall out of the game early on.
Around the 20th minute mark, Great Britain had another chance with Hemp getting the rebound off the post, although yet again, stopped by Micah’s save. The young keeper just made her fifth appearance for the Matildas at senior level, as she has definitely proven herself more and more, each game.
There seemed to be some frustration and doubt for the Australian side, however each player, including Kerr from the top of the pitch, remained determined in their defensive efforts to prevent any further goals. Their defensive shape was very organized, and momentum was good. It was clear, they were not losing.
Van Egmond, the Matildas’ usual attacking midfielder, seemed to play a more defensive midfield role in the match, which kept the team calm and assisted her side in winning majority midfield 50/50 challenges.
The 34th minute marked Catley’s corner to swing in from her left boot onto Kennedy’s head, in which she placed the ball into the bottom corner for Australia’s first goal. With nearly 100 caps for the defender, it was goal number eight for Kennedy. Great Britain had nobody marking the posts, so Kennedy was left with a free header, in a dangerous position, unstoppable for Roebuck.
Great Britain continued to press the Matildas left side, making it a tough challenge for both teams. Both teams had end to end attacks, with both defensive shapes organized throughout the whole game.
Despite Great Britain struggling with the Matildas’ width and pace down the wings, White was able to get on the end of Hemp’s curling cross and score a header into the back of the net, leaving Micah helpless in the 56th minute.
The battle was definitely on as each team were using their strengths to quickly catch the other out.
In the 66th minute, the Matildas scrambled to get the ball out of the box, unable to avoid White’s goal straight into the right corner. Ellen White, the Manchester City centre forward, is one of Great Britain’s biggest threats in the front line at 33 years of age. Her last 20 goals have come from inside the box which makes her a big target for those key tap ins.
Gustavsson’s decision to bring on the two teenagers, Fowler and Cooney-Cross, was strategic and smart, as both did their jobs using fresh legs.
By defending well and trying to break down Great Britain’s classy one-touch football, in the 89th minute, Kerr snatched up an equalizer for the Aussies, using great control of the ball to place it into the back of the net.
The 90th minute was where all Aussies held their breath, as Micah received a pass under high pressure from White, although was cleared just in time, seeing the game into extra time.
Both teams felt fatigue from running a full 90 minutes meaning they would have to play smart.
The 93rd minute allowed Micah to show off two amazing saves, blocking out any of Great Britain’s hopes in claiming an early goal.
With the Matildas caught on the back leg, sitting off more than before, Great Britain got lucky with a penalty which seemed to be a soft touch from Ellie Carpenter. With everyone watching nervously, once again the reliable Micah proved her spot in the starting xi, saving Weir’s penalty which could’ve put Great Britain ahead, closer to the Semi Finals.
Straight off the bat, 30 seconds later, with a touch onto her non-preferred foot, Fowler at 18 years of age, scored top right-hand corner off a deflection, setting up the Matildas for the win.
Great Britain remained hopeful throughout the whole game, as they performed high-class football for the whole 120 minutes.
In the 106th minute, Kerr scored her second goal of the match from Yallop’s corner, claiming her amazing achievement of becoming Matildas highest goal scorer in history.
Despite Great Britain seeming frustrated being down 4-2, they came back for one last fight. In the 118th minute, White scored her seventh goal of the tournament, a hattrick as such, as she was once again unmarked inside the box. Some hope was back for Great Britian, with just four minutes to go.
The Matildas ended the game strategically, counting down the clock, leaving Great Britain helpless in any efforts to claim one last goal.
The match definitely proved to be a nail biter for those watching at home, as both teams battled until the end. The game was extremely even in all considerations, but it was the teenager, record breaker and keeper who snatched it up for the Matildas in the end.
What’s Next?
The Matildas will now face Sweden in just two days, as they look to break down their defence, and reverse the fixture this time round!
Great Britain 3 (White 57’ 66’ 115’)
Matildas 4 (Kennedy 35’, Kerr 89’, Fowler 103’, Kerr 106’)
Great Britain – Coach: Hege Riise
Ellie Roebuck, Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton (c), Leah Williamson, Demi Stokes, Keira Walsh, Caroline Weir, Rachel Daly, Kim Little, Lauren Hemp, Ellen White
Subs: Ingle (97’ => Walsh), Parris (96’ => Hemp), Kirby (58’ => Daly), Bright (58’ => Stokes), Stanway (112’ => Bronze), Scott (80’ => Little); Telford unused
Yellow cards: 2
Matildas – Coach: Tony Gustavsson
Teagan Micah, Samantha Kerr (c), Aivi Luik, Stephanie Catley, Caitlin Foord, Emily Van Egmond, Ellie Carpenter, Tameka Yallop, Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon
Subs: Cooney-Cross (80’ => Foord), Polkinghorne (108 => Cooney-Cross), Logarzo (88’ => Raso), Fowler (80’ => Simon), Gielnik (80’ => Luik); Brock, Williams unused
Yellow cards: 2
Follow Beyond 90's coverage of the Olympics.
