Matildas v Canada: Australia loses again after early Mary Fowler goal

The Matildas' dreams of a home World Cup triumph are looking more remote by the match after falling to another disappointing loss against Canada.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 03: Tameka Yallop of Australia looks on after the International Women's Friendly match between the Australia Matildas and Canada at Suncorp Stadium on September 03, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Close to ten months out from a home World Cup and the confidence in Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson continues to wane following a 2-1 defeat to Canada in the first football game held at the glitzy new Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

An impressive Tuesday night crowd of 26,997 fans turned out for the historic occasion but Matildas diehards left the stunning arena still wondering whether the Swede in Gustavsson was the right person to lead Australia into a moment of such grand importance next year.

A second half double from Canadian and Manchester United attacker Adriana Leon, who scored the winner in Brisbane on Saturday as well, made it back-to-back defeats for Australia against the reigning Olympic champions.

Canada celebrates one of its two goals against the Matildas on Tuesday.

Mary Fowler got the Matildas on the board early.

It’s a thirteenth loss in 26 games for the national team since Gustavsson took charge in late 2020.

Off the back of the Matildas first half performance, it loomed as a night that would ignite the Gustavsson reign as Australia dominated proceedings early on.

The Matildas had the new stadium rocking inside three minutes as a loose ball fell the way of Sam Kerr inside the area.

Rather than blazing away at goal, the Matildas skipper cut the ball square with composure for the perfectly placed Mary Fowler to tuck away the opener from six yards out with her left foot.

The Matildas were ultimately left to rue their failure to capitalise on their lead before halftime though as they racked up five first half shots to Canada’s none.

A typically delightful Fowler through ball sent Cortnee Vine through on goal after 37 minutes but the Sydney FC star’s meek toe poke failed to trouble Kailen Sheridan in the Canadian goal.

Caitlin Foord started to work her way into the game but after cutting in from the left with ease she dragged her shot wide of the near post on 42 minutes when hitting the target should have been a fait accompli.

Canada drew level early in the second half and it was Leon who again found the back of the net. Some nice interplay with Christine Sinclair helped tee up the 29-year-old national team stalwart for the equaliser.

Leon would then add a third goal in two games against Australia and the winner when she was played through on goal by the sensational Jade Rose and was able to slam a left foot shot past Lydia Williams to secure another Canadian triumph on Aussie soil.

WHAT A START in Sydney 🔥

🎥: @10FootballAU#WeAreMatildas#AUSvCANpic.twitter.com/l8phwC2aBc

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 6, 2022

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson wills his side on.

MAGICAL MARY

Her off-season move to Manchester City sums up her status in the game and Mary Fowler gave her home fans a reminder of why that’s the case before jetting off to commence the Women’s Super League season in England this weekend. Her eighth goal in national team colours was punctuated by a series of delightful through balls at pace in the first half in another glittering performance from the 19-year-old.

ROSEY FUTURE

As good as Fowler was, she wasn’t even the best 19-year-old on the pitch. That honour went to Canada’s Jade Rose who shone for the visitors with her blistering pace that thwarted many an Aussie attack. She then capped off her stunning display with the through ball for Canada’s winner. Currently playing for Harvard in the US college system it shouldn’t be long before a massive club snaps her up.

Emily van Egmond of the Matildas is challenged by Jessie Fleming of Canada.

\Adriana Leon of Canada competes for the ball against Charlotte Grant and Katrina Gorry of the Matildas.

MATILDAS COACH DEFIANT AFTER WEEKEND LOSS TO CANADA

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson remains adamant his side can “beat the best team in the world” despite his unconvincing reign continuing with Australia’s 1-0 loss to Canada at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday

A superb 12th-minute strike from Manchester United winger Adriana Leon was enough for the Canadians, the reigning Olympic gold medallists, to prevail in the opening match of two-game series between the nations.

And while the Matildas, particularly skipper Sam Kerr, had their chances, they too often lacked intensity in a concerning sign ahead of next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand

The scoreline threatened to blow out in the closing stages as the Matildas pushed forward in search of an equaliser

However, the Canadians could not add to their lead, with Nichelle Prince and substitute Cloe Lacasse both blowing golden opportunities.

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Tony Gustavsson’s unconvincing reign as Matildas coach has continued. Picture: Getty Images

But one goal was to prove sufficient for the visitors, who will head into Tuesday night’s second game of the series in Sydney confident of a clean sweep.

Swedish mentor Gustavsson needs a win on Tuesday to justify that he’s the best coach to guide the Matildas at next year’s World Cup, despite being contracted until 2024.

Defensive frailties that have been evident throughout his reign remain, with Leon afforded far too much space outside the penalty area when scoring the only goal of Saturday’s match.

However, Gustavsson was convinced the Matildas were good enough to level the series.

“When we play the way we want to play, we can beat Canada – I know we can,” he said.

“We might not be the best team in the world but we know we can beat the best team in the world.”

OFF DAY FOR KERR

Matildas skipper Sam Kerr was wasteful in front of goal in the first-half.

Twice in the opening five minutes she had opportunities, but on both occasions she was foiled by Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan,

Kerr’s frustration continued in the 27th minute when she seemed certain to score after outpacing Canada’s defence in receiving a sublime through ball from midfield general Katrina Gorry.

But with only Sheridan to beat, Kerr seemed to hesitate. Rather than shooting as the goalkeeper advanced towards here, the Chelsea star attempted to dribble around Sheridan, who comfortably foiled Australia’s captain.

Sam Kerr had an off day in front of goal for the Matildas. Picture: Getty Images

Kerr again failed to produce a decisive finish in the 37th minute with a weak shot that was dealt with by Sheridan,

Kerr’s chances dried up in the second half, with Canada making a better fist of limiting the service provided to her.

However, Kerr had one final chance to equalise in stoppage time via a header from a Gorry corner.

But Sheridan again came to Canada’s rescue, tipping the ball over the crossbar.

“It was one of those days,” Gustavsson said.

“She’s a world-class goalscorer. On another day, she scores three (with the chances she had).

“She’ the first person to be angry that she didn’t convert, and we’re not going to make a big deal of that.”

Tameka Yallop and her Matildas teammates look on after full-time. Picture: Getty Images

INJURY BLOW

The Matildas were hit with the first-half loss of key defender Alanna Kennedy, who was forced off with what seemed to be a hamstring injury.

It’s doubtful Kennedy will recover in time for Tuesday’s second match of the series in a blow to reversing Saturday’ result.

“From experience, when it’s a hamstring normally you don’t come back that fast … but I don’t want to speculate but my experience says she most likely won’t play,” Gustavsson said.

“We have some clear options (to replace Kennedy).”

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Originally published as Matildas v Canada: Australia loses again after early Mary Fowler goal