Mary Fowler magic leads Matildas to clean sheet series win over Korea

A sprinkle of Mary Fowler magic has led the Matildas to finish their two-match friendly series with another clean sheet in front of a bumper Newcastle crowd. Watch the highlights.

A dose of Mary Fowler magic has led the Matildas to back-to-back victories over the Korea Republic with an assured two-nil victory in front of a record attendance in Newcastle.

The bumper crowd of 28,019, which smashed the previous attendance for a Matildas game at McDonald Jones Stadium, enjoyed another Matildas victory that was lit up by Fowler’s ingenuity to likely end the reign of interim boss Tom Sermanni.

A permanent coach, likely to be French side Lyon’s Australian boss Joe Montemurro, should be in the hotseat for the next Matildas encounter against Argentina in Melbourne at the end of May.

Mary Fowler sparked the Matildas. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Whoever it is though will take over a team that has rediscovered some confidence ahead of the home Asian Cup next year with both the dual victories and back-to-back clean sheets after struggling defensively for far too long.

There will be tougher opponents to face of course but with Sam Kerr to return and Fowler continuing to blossom, the Matildas potency in attack, remains.

In a clash that was crying out for some craft early, the class of Fowler helped open it up, as only she can for her 16th national team strike.

Without peer on the pitch, the midfield schemer controlled a beautifully timed Emily Van Egmond through ball with the softest of touches and under pressure from two Korean defenders, was able to slot it home superbly on an angle from 12 yards out.

Fellow attacking star Caitlin Foord made a huge impact after coming on for Holly McNamara at half-time. She created a golden chance immediately after entering the fray with a sharp turn and shot from inside the box that went straight at the keeper.

Another slick swivel not long after put Tameka Yallop free down the right for a half chance and she was also at the centre of the Matildas second goal.

Unsurprisingly it was Fowler who launched the move as she toyed with a couple of Korean defenders down the left before crossing for Foord who somehow failed to score but created a six-yard box scramble.

Kaitlin Torpey eventually helped force Australia’s second with a strike that deflected in off Korean defender Lim Seonjoo for her second own goal in as many games.

There was a momentary scare late the Australia’s goal had been breached but a Korean strike was immediately ruled out for offside.

FRIENDLY FIRE

The first half for Australia was marred by an unfortunate collision between Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop. Kennedy’s cheekbone blew up like one of the hot-air ballons flying over the Hunter after colliding with Yallop’s knee, prompting the Man City defender to admire the damage herself on the stadium big screen. Considering her issues with knee problems in the past, Yallop’s injury prompted some panic but she was able to play on before both veterans were substituted early in the second half.

Record Newcastle crowd was out to cheer on the Matildas. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

HEAVING IN THE HUNTER

A crowd of 28,019 on a Monday night in Newcastle against an opponent that is strong but not necessarily defined as box office is another endorsement for just how strong this Matildas brand continues to be. The attendance smashed the previous record for a Matildas game in Newcastle set against the USA in 2021 by nearly eight thousand.

MIGHTY MICAH

In the absence of the Matildas ‘minister of defence’ Mackenzie Arnold, back-up goalkeeper Teagan Micah shone across both clashes against Korea. The Liverpool custodian made an outstanding late save in the first friendly to preserve Australia’s lead and was assured all night in the second game for back to back clean sheets.

Originally published as Mary Fowler magic leads Matildas to clean sheet series win over Korea