Australia v Uzbekistan: Matildas take three-goal advantage to Melbourne

Australia have broken through with three goals in the closing stages to take a massive lead over Uzbekistan into the second leg in Melbourne, where an Olympic Games spot beckons.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Clare Polkinghorne of Australia is consoled by head coach Tony Gustavsson during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Third Place Match match between Sweden and Australia at Brisbane Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Returning veteran Michelle Heyman said it was a “dream come true” after scoring her first Matildas goal in eight years as Australia took a significant step towards qualifying for the Olympics with a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

Despite dominating possession, the Matildas wasted a host of opportunities before Uzbekistan’s resistance was finally broken in the final 20 minutes of the contest to ensure the Australians would have a handy advantage heading into Wednesday night’s second-leg of the Paris Games qualifier at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

The injury-enforced absence of superstar striker Sam Kerr was telling for the majority of the contest, and it wasn’t until the entry of Canberra United striker Heyman in the 65th minute that the Matildas finally upped their game in front of goal.

In her first national appearance since 2018, Heyman broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, scoring from close range after Uzbekistan failed to deal with a Steph Catley corner.

It was 35-year-old Heyman’s 21st goal for the Matildas and her first since finding the back of the net against Zimbabwe at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Australians celebrate one of their second-half goals. Picture: Getty Images

“Back playing for my country, to come on and score a goal, it’s a dream come true,” Heyman said.

“It’s what I wanted and I’m so happy to get it done - it’s a really nice feeling.”

The Matildas then further upped the ante with goals from Mary Fowler and substitute Caitlin Foord in the final 10 minutes ensuring the Australians would enjoy the lengthy trip home ahead of the second leg.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said it was a ‘’mature performance” from his team, but wasn’t happy with his side’s failure to convert a host of chances.

“We didn’t panic and get frustrated for not scoring in the first half,” Gustavsson said.

“We knew it was going to be one of those games ... but at the same times there were some technical mistakes, and we need to admit that we left way too many goals on the table today.

“That needs to be better on Wednesday.”

The Matildas lacked potency for a large part of the contest.

They had the first chance of the game in the 11th minute when Fowler found some space on the edge of Uzbekistan’s penalty area.

The Manchester City star unleashed a right-foot shot that was well saved by goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova.

Mary Fowler got better as the game went on. Picture: Getty Images

Debutant Kaitlyn Torpey had a great opportunity to give the Matildas the lead in the 21st minute after Hayley Raso found her unmarked at the far post with a well-placed low cross.

However, instead of shooting, Torpey attempted to square the ball into the path of Emily van Egmond but failed to find her new San Diego Wave teammate.

A minute later it was van Egmond’s turn to waste a good chance after Uzbekistan keeper Jonimqulova failed to properly deal with a Torpey cross.

Jonimqulova punched the ball straight to van Egmond, but the Matildas stalwart blazed her shot over the crossbar.

Van Egmond was again wasteful in first-half stoppage time when she couldn’t direct a header on target after Catley found her teammate unmarked with a dangerous cross.

The Matildas continued to attack after half-time, with midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross’ long-distance strike in the 46th minute tipped over the crossbar by Jonimqulova.

Three minutes later Foord, who came for Torpey, blew a golden chance when she couldn’t hit the target after being found unmarked in the penalty area by a Raso cross.

There was more agony for the Matildas in the 54th minute when van Egmond somehow failed to score from inside the six-yard box after running on to a perfectly placed cross from Fowler.

However, the Matildas’ persistence was to finally pay off, with the introduction of Heyman - a genuine centre-forward - proving crucial.

Foord heads home Australia’s third. Picture: Getty Images

SHOCK OMISSION

Arsenal star Caitlin Foord, the Matildas’ best attacker in the absence of Kerr, was left out of the starting side.

Team officials said Foord wasn’t injured, with her omission instead part of “managing her load” ahead of Wednesday night’s second leg in Melbourne due to her recent busy schedule with the Gunners in the English Women’s Super League.

With the Matildas’ attack lacking potency, Foord was brought on at the start of the second half for Torpey.

Follow along below to see how the action unfolded.

9.58PM: MATILDAS WIN 3-0

A strong win for Australia in the end but the scoreline does not tell the full tale of the match.

It took 72 minutes for the Aussies to make their first breakthrough, before two goals in three minutes (84’ and 86’) saw the lead extended to three goals.

It would take more than a miracle for Uzbekistan to go to Melbourne and turn this result around.

9.50PM: GOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!

The floodgates have well and truly opened.

This time it’s Caitlin Foord, unmarked with an easy header right in front of goal.

It’s shaping as a celebration on Wednesday night when the Matildas take this 3-0 lead to Melbourne.

Or will it be more?

9.48PM: GOALLLLLLLLLLL!!!

Yes they can double their lead!

Mary Fowler showed all of her class in that long-range strike that found the bottom corner to perfection.

Fowler has been the Matildas’ best player, with her creativity at times wasted by her teammates.

2-0 to the Aussies.

The Matildas eventually found the answers at the death. Picture: Getty Images

9.45PM: AUSSIES ON THE MARCH FOR A SECOND

The Matildas want a bigger advantage to take back to Melbourne for the second leg.

The shot count has just ticked over 20 and the margin should really be greater between the two nations.

Can they double their lead in the dying stages?

9.37PM: GOALLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

About time!

The pressure from Australia has finally resulted in a goal and it’s Michelle Heyman who has the breakthrough.

It was scrappy, but the Matildas will not care.

A corner to a dangerous spot found Heyman, whose first effort rebounded off the bar, but when the ball made its way back to the striker she put the ball past the keeper on the second attempt depsite a last gasp effort to clear it off the line.

1-0 to the Aussies!

9.30PM: HEYMAN’S NEAR-PERFECT INTRODUCTION

Michelle Heyman went close to scoring with her first touch after being substituted into the game in the 65th minute.

A corner from Kyra Cooney-Cross found the head of Heyman but the striker just put the ball over the bar.

9.20PM: HOW HAS SHE MISSED?

Emily van Egmond might be having nightmares if the Matildas can’t find a goal in this second half.

Fowler put the ball on a platter for the veteran who fluffed her lines from two yards out with the goal gaping.

Australia cannot buy a goal at the moment.

9.15PM: COMPOSURE STILL LACKING

Surely a goal is coming for Australia who just can’t quite find their composure in front of goal.

The delivery into the box is improving but now the finishing touch is required.

Substitute Caitlin Foord is the latest Matilda to blast an opportunity off target.

Kaitlyn Torpey on the ball. Picture: Getty Images

9.10PM: DEBUTANT SUBBED

The Matildas coach has made a half-time change, but it’s not Michelle Heyman coming on.

Instead Caitlin Foord has been brought on to replace Kaitlyn Torpey.

Perhaps the speedy Arsenal winger can bring something different to Australia’s attack.

9.05PM: CALLS FOR CHANGE

Australia have a striker sitting on the bench and it might be time for Tony Gustavsson to use her given the Matildas’ struggles up top.

“Well, I am going to Michelle Heyman, a goalscorer in form,” commentator Andy Harper said.

“This is not a slight on Emily van Egmond, because anybody can be in that situation, but her season has not started yet. Michelle is in full goalscoring mode, throw her in, that is what I would be doing.”

8.52PM: HALF TIME

It’s 0-0 at the main break with Australia clearly the superior side but can’t break the deadlock as yet.

Emily van Egmond had another chance just before the half time whistle after a peach of a cross from Steph Catley, but the header went just wide.

Uzbekistan will be pleased with how the game has eventuated so far.

Alanna Kennedy can count herself lucky. Picture: Getty Images

8.38PM: KENNEDY’S LUCKY ESCAPE

That was an ugly tackle from Alanna Kennedy.

The studs went flying in the air just below knee height and she is very lucky there wasn’t much contact if any on her Uzbek opponent.

There’s no VAR in this match, but even so the Matildas are fortunate to not be down to 10 players.

8.32PM: VAN EGMOND SPURNS CHANCE

Emily van Egmond was presented with a gift in front of goal following a deflection off the goalkeeper, but couldn’t put her effort on target.

The Matildas are missing Sam Kerr to find that finishing touch, with the connection in the box off the mark in the first half hour.

Emily van Egmond missed a couple of first half chances. Picture: Getty Images

8.23PM: FINAL THIRD STRUGGLES

With almost 80 per cent possession the Matildas are in control of the match, but have only registered one shot on goal.

The final pass just hasn’t quite found its target to set up a goalscoring chance.

Debutant Kaitlyn Torpey has had the best opportunity so far, but instead of firing a shot on goal she attempted to find another pass which was intercepted.

8.13PM: FOWLER TESTS THE KEEPER

Australia have registered their first shot of the match and it wasn’t a bad one from Mary Fowler.

She took the ball outside the area and drove towards goal before firing a low strike from long range that was saved by the keeper down to her right.

8.07PM: ON THE FRONT FOOT

It’s been a solid start for Australia, with some dangerous corners testing the Uzbek defence already.

The Matildas have set up well structurally in what looks to be a 4-2-3-1 formation.

We’ll see if that changes throughout the match.

8.00PM: KICK OFF

We’re away, let’s go Tillies!

Kaitlyn Torpey starts for Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)

7.00PM: TEAM NEWS

Tony Gustavsson looks to have opted for a back five in tonight’s match as Caitlin Foord is pushed to the bench.

Kaitlyn Torpey starts for the Matildas in her senior debut where she will don Sam Kerr’s famous number 20.

STARTING XI 🗒

Here's how we line up against Uzbekistan in our #Paris2024 play-off first leg, with Kaitlyn Torpey making her senior debut!

📺💻📱: @10FootballAU#Matildas#TilitsDone#AllezAUSpic.twitter.com/65jh228vkr

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 24, 2024

6.30PM: SHORT AND SWEET HISTORY

There’s only been one meeting between the Matildas and Uzbekistan prior to tonight’s clash.

The match was back in 2007 during the Olympic qualifiers for the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Australia won the match 10-0. Yep, 10 goals to nil.

Let’s hope history repeats tonight!

5.20PM: FREEZING CONDITIONS AWAIT MATILDAS

While Australia will be looking to bring heat to the content against Uzbekistan, the conditions might not match their intensity.

Temperatures in Tashkent could dip into the negatives with snow currently falling at the stadium.

It’s a stark contrast from the sunny weather in Dubai where the Matildas set up camp to train for their upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

The Matildas are set for a frosty encounter in Uzbekistan! ❄️

📽️: @_Erin_Smith
Follow tonight's action live here: https://t.co/URmPLwIjktpic.twitter.com/X4DEJ1aFdJ

— Herald Sun Sport (@heraldsunsport) February 24, 2024

EARLIER: COACH HINTS AT SURPRISE MATILDAS LINE-UP

-Erin Smith

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has hinted that there could be some unexpected names in the starting line up for the first leg against Uzbekistan in a bid to manage player fatigue.

Gustavsson dubbed the first leg of the final Olympic qualifiers as “extremely important” but said so was managing player welfare.

The 23 women in the camp have all come from a range of domestic competitions – some midway through season, some in their off-season and others in pre-season.

Adding to the juggle is players like Alanna Kennedy who have only recently returned from injury or Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross who has had limited minutes in the top flight English league.

Caitlin Foord has played more than 1000 minutes of football for Arsenal this season, while Mary Fowler has played just a touch over 500 minutes.

World Cup defensive star Clare Hunt could be one of the overloaded players - spending 1200 minutes on the field for PSG across their domestic competition and the Champions League. While fellow defender Clare Polkinghorne hasn’t played since the Swedish league wrapped up in November.

In his pre-match press conference Gustavsson, who didn’t want to reveal his starting 11, hinted that some of the decisions were out of his hands and based on recommendations from the medical staff.

“We came in with a lot of challenges this camp, some players were coming in with a lot of game time with fatigue and niggles, some players coming in with very little game time and underloaded,” he said.

Tony Gustavsson is hinting at a new-look Matildas line-up. Picture: Getty Images

“So it was important for us to find the right sweet spot in terms of training load and make sure the ones that came in with some fatigue and niggles are fresh on Saturday.

“Without revealing the line-ups there are a couple of players that came in with overload and niggles and we need to be mindful how we use them now in this first game if we do, how many minutes and how that can influence the availability in the second game and so forth.

“So we look at form and physical readiness for the game as well.

“We are going to go all in and maximise the performance in game one.”

Gustavsson dropped another hint that the line up could feature a few surprises in order to have the experienced stars on the bench as “game changers”.

“When you’re planning you are planning for a strong starting line up but maybe even a stronger finishing line-up because game changers are key in games like this,” he said.

THE MATCH

Despite Uzbekistan being the clear underdogs Gustavsson wasn’t willing to count them out of the contest.

The 47th ranked team in the world has never qualified for an Olympics before, or played at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

But Gustavsson was quick to point out that any team playing at home can be tough to handle.

“You can play an opposition doing a certain thing, you look at what they have done in the past, but this is an Olympic qualifier against us, on home soil,” he said.

Gustavsson said Uzbekistan could bring a completely different approach to the match, play one way for part of the game and then switch it up.

“They have shown they are really well organised and have a clear game plan. They’ve been in a very long pre-camp going into this game as well.

“We know we are going to be playing a team that is very well prepared. We need to understand that and also be prepared for different types of challenges.”

One of those challenges the players will have little control over or time to adapt to is the weather.

It is forecast to reach a high of just two degrees in Tashkent on Saturday.

While the players based in Europe and England will be more accustomed to the brisk weather it will be a shock to the system for the A-Leagues players.

“The sports science team does a tremendous job in terms of acclimatisation - whether it is nutrition, whether it is recovery or training load or preparing for weather as well. I’m sure we are going to be well prepared,” Gustavsson said.

“It doesn’t matter the circumstances around them when they step on the field they always give it 100 per cent, no matter the pitch, the wind, the rain, the weather.

“This is a game when we have a game plan that we want to try to execute but we also need to be able to adapt to what’s thrown at us whether it’s tactics or weather or the pitch circumstances.”

Gustavsson wants the Matildas to be aggressive. Picture: Getty Images

BALANCE IS KEY

While Gustavsson kept the game plan under lock and key he did reveal the intention is still play the attacking, high-pressing style of football the Matildas became known for during the recent World Cup.

“No matter who steps on there we’re going to be true to who we are,” he said.

“I’m not talking formation when I talk about who we are, I’m talking about the principle of how we play. We’re always going to be a pressing team.

“We’re going to be a high octane energy team that likes to attack with numbers. We looked at different ways of how we can create those chances when the space is less which we think it is going to be in this game.”

Defender Alanna Kennedy, who is fit after a recent calf injury in the WSL, said she was feeling good and the team was “looking sharp”.

“To have made it this far Uzbekistan is obviously a team of good quality and I think for us it will be about being patient,” Kennedy said.

“I’m sure we will find them in a bit of a block at different points in the game and just being patient with our game plan and clinical in the moments that we do get up top, so it’s definitely a challenge ahead but we are well prepared for it.”

TIGHT TURN AROUND

While the focus is on the first leg of the two-game series Gustavsson said medical staff had also had to form a plan to optimise recovery ahead of the second game in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Players will have to endure a 20 hour flight from Tashkent to Melbourne, arriving on Monday – just two days before their second clash.

Kennedy said it was far from ideal but something the players, especially being from Australia, had to come to accept as part of being a professional footballer.

“I think if anyone is well prepared for it, it will be us,” Kennedy said.

“Of course there is the extra one percenters that you have to be more careful with, looking after your body recovery, what you eat and obviously what we prioritise during those few days, like just getting the legs going after the long flight.

“As a player I think it is more about mindset and what we can do mentally to be prepared but as well as physically for the short turnaround.”

Gustavsson said lots of strategies would be used to maximise recovery time.

“We need to be world class when we travel,” he said.

“Whether it is compression pants or getting used to jet lag, or sleeping routines or nutrition or recovery strategies - the players are all phenomenal when it comes to that and it comes down to mindset as well.

“I know once we step off that plane and come to Australia the players will be prepared as they can.

“I also know they are going to be refuelled and energised by the fans and coming back to play on home soil. That is going to compensate for a lot of lack of energy from travel.”

Originally published as Australia v Uzbekistan: Matildas take three-goal advantage to Melbourne