Captain Sam Kerr once again justified new coach Ante Milicic’s decision to hand her the captaincy, capping another influential display with an early opener with Alanna Kennedy and Caitlin Foord sealing a 3-0 win.
The Matildas hope Wednesday night’s post-game scenes were a trailer for June’s main event in France, as Kerr held aloft the Cup of Nations trophy in front of 6834 fans at AAMI Park.
CAPTAIN KERR
Kerr led by example, producing a high-octane display in leading the three-person attack, flanked by the similarly threatening Gielnik and Caitlin Foord.
The Perth Glory star headed the Matildas into the lead, nodding home after an impeccably timed jump to finish Gielnik’s corner on four minutes.
Kerr had the Argentine defence on edge, with a mix of link up play and running in behind.
SEE HOW WE COVERED THE MATCH IN THE BLOG BELOW
Withdrawn on 61 minutes, Kerr would be thrilled with her start as skipper, bagging three goals in as many games with some strong displays to boot before she heads abroad with the bulk of the squad for their overseas club stints.
MATILDAS RESHUFFLE
The only blip for the Matildas was an ankle injury to Melbourne Victory defender Laura Alleway, who limped off midway through the first half.
Vice-captain Steph Catley was resolute after switching to a less familiar central defensive role, with Alleway’s replacement Gema Simon slotting in at left-back.
Catley won the stoppage time penalty, which Foord emphatically slotted home.
Substitute Aivi Luik looked assured after replacing Amy Harrison at half-time, while veteran Lisa De Vanna and comeback queen Hayley Raso got late chances to impress after replacing Kerr and Gielnik respectively.
NEAR PERFECT START
World Cup-bound Argentina, ranked 36 in the world, fought hard and showed they were better than their previous two losses indicated.
Australia’s win capped off a near perfect start for Milicic, a third straight win against a France 2019 opponent after wins over New Zealand and South Korea.
In the earlier, clash, South Korea beat New Zealand 2-0.
While Australia conceded just one en route to scoring nine, the more dynamic, fluid style would have been most pleasing for Milicic, although Wednesday night’s display was slightly below the high standards set in the previous two games, despite cracking 500 passes.
In the end the Matildas lacked the killer instinct in the final third to inflict a heavier defeat, but it was mission accomplished.
WORLD CUP SEND-OFF
Showing he has a sense of occasion, Milicic made some Melbourne-flavoured inclusions to the team, headlined by Melbourne City star Catley, Victory winger Gielnik and her Victory teammate Teigen Allen.
Kerr’s first XI appearance made her the only player to start all three Cup of Nations matches.
Considering the conjecture in the wake of Stajcic’s sacking, the Matildas could not have asked for a better start under Milicic, who has one more game, away to USA next month, before picking his World Cup squad.
Showing he has a sense of occasion, Milicic made some Melbourne-flavoured inclusions to the team, headlined by Melbourne City star Catley, Victory winger Gielnik and her Victory teammate Teigen Allen.
Kerr’s first XI appearance made her the only player to start all three Cup of Nations matches.
Considering the conjecture in the wake of Stajcic’s sacking, the Matildas could not have asked for a better start under Milicic, who has one more game, away to USA next month, before picking his World Cup squad.
AUSTRALIA 3 (Samantha Kerr 4m, Alanna Kennedy 33m, Caitlin Foord 90+4m pen) ARGENTINA 0 at AAMI Park. Crowd: 6,834. Referee: Fusako Kajiyama.
Updates
That's it! Australia has taken out the Cup of Nations after winning three games from three and scoring nine goals while conceding one.
The goals tonight came from Sam Kerr in the fourth minute (header from a corner), Alanna Kennedy in the 33rd minute (header from a corner) and Caitlin Foord (90+4, penalty).
It was a fairly comfortable win against an Argentina side which had lost their two previous games but played with plenty of determination and created some meaningful chances of their own.
A good test for the Matildas as they continue their World Cup preparations with new coach Ante Milicic.
Matildas Cup of Nations results
Matildas 2 New Zealand 0 in Sydney
Matildas 4 South Korea 1 in Brisbane
Matildas 3 Argentina 0 in Melbourne
That's it from our live coverage. Thank you for joining us.
Caitlin Foord steps up to send send Argentina keeper Gaby Garton the wrong way and make it three unanswered goals for the Matildas.
Caitlin Foord steps up to send send Argentina keeper Gaby Garton the wrong way and make it three unanswered goals for the Matildas.
Deep into stoppage time the Matildas have won a penalty after the ball was bouncing around in the box following a free kick from the left.
There'll be four minutes of stoppage time. The sting out of the game now.
Hayley Raso cops a barge in the back and stays down for a minute but is okay. Bit of a heart-in-the-mouth moment considering she has fought back from a broken back.
Chance for the Matildas after Lisa De Vanna was set free on the left, crossed deep to the far post and Hayley Raso managed to get there and cross back across goal but De Vanna's shot was high and wide past the right post.
Clare Polkinghorne on for Alanna Kennedy in central defence
Still very competitive in the final 15 minutes. Matildas still pushing for openings and Argentina continuing to show plenty of determination looking to hit the Matildas on the break.
Tameka Butt is on for Alex Chidiac
