Adelaide United’s Alex Chidiac scoring her maiden goal for the Matildas saw her become the first ‘South Australian’ to score for the national team since 2008
ADELAIDE United’s Alex Chidiac’s maiden goal for the Matildas saw her become the first ‘South Australian’ to score for the national team since 2008.
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ADELAIDE United’s Alex Chidiac’s maiden goal for the Matildas has seen her become the first “South Australian” to find the back of the net for the national team since 2008.
Born in Sydney, Chidiac regards herself as a Croweater after moving to SA with her parents when she was just three months old.
The Matildas playmaker was ecstatic to join former Reds SA-born midfielder Victoria Balomenos scoring for Australia in a 6-0 win over Singapore almost a decade ago.
Chidiac, 19, scored the opener in a 5-0 drubbing over Thailand at nib Stadium in Perth on Monday night in a farewell clash before the squad lands in Jordan on Easter Sunday to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup.
Their campaign kicks off with a clash against South Korea on April 8.
It was Chidiac’s eighth cap and the first time she had played an international at home.
“It was amazing in front of the home crowd I haven’t played a game for the Matildas in Australia before it was an amazing atmosphere and just a pleasure to be on the field,’’ Chidiac said before she is expected to make a huge impact at the Asian Cup.
“I have been working for this for my whole life and I’m just waiting to do my best for Australia.”
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic praised Chidiac’s 90 minutes saying she is “very coachable.”
“She is always there to learn and she is working hard,’’ Stajcic said.
WA’s Lisa De Vanna jagged a brace with Chloe Logarzo and Larissa Crummer also on the scoresheet in the big win but Stajcic warned Australia must do better.
The Matildas boss also claimed veteran striker De Vanna was poor in the early stages of the clash, lamenting the home side’s inability to strangle the backpeddling Thai side after Chidiac’s goal.
“There was some pleasing parts and some things I wasn’t pleased with,’’ Stajcic said.
“I thought we started the game off really well and the longer that first half went the tempo was just too slow and almost into the rhythm of their game instead of our game.
“There was a good five minute spell where we got into it again and we had some good patches in the second half and I just think we can control the game a little bit better in terms of speed and quality and move the ball a little bit quicker.
“There just wasn’t enough of that from the fifth minute leading into about the 35th minute.
“I thought she (De Vanna) started off poorly and thought the first 20 minutes she wasn’t up to speed and she coughed the ball up a lot.
“But the longer the game went on she really grew some confidence.
“It was a really game from her in the end which is what we want.”
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