Matildas v Argentina: Johnson scores in debut as Matildas ease past Argentina

Kahli Johnson has etched her name into the history books after scoring in her Matildas debut, before Kaitlyn Torpey struck as Australia eased by Argentina.

Kahli Johnson made her international debut one to remember, scoring the opening goal as the Matildas beat Argentina in Melbourne on Friday night.

Australia’s 21-year-old Sydneysider was their leading light during a slow-burn first half and duly broke the deadlock with a guided header after 38 minutes at Marvel Stadium.

The Calgary attacker, who had been tracking for the A-League golden boot before her January switch to Canada’s Northern Super League from Western United, had earmarked the maiden call-up as a learning opportunity.

Instead, it was her delivering a lesson in flawless forward play.

Interim head coach Tom Sermanni has described Johnson’s play style as old-fashioned, and her textbook, guided header to net Charli Grant’s pinpoint cross, having peeled off the opposition’s defensive line, was a tried and tested route to goal.

Less conventional, but worth just as much, was Australia’s second 21 minutes from time. Everyone, including Argentina’s second-choice goalkeeper Abigaíl Chaves, had lost interest in Kaitlyn Torpey’s miscued cross, only for its unexpected trajectory to spiral into the far corner.

Kaitlyn Torpey celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal. Picture: Getty Images

It’s all right on the left

Positive beginnings from two-time international Jamilla Rankin and new Matilda Johnson suggest a bright future.

The latter delivered dangerously in the sixth minute for Holly McNamara, who swept over, before dispossessing Catalina Roggerone in an advanced area to cross 60 seconds later, only for there to be no teammate arriving. Johnson then displayed some tactical flexibility when picking up dangerous positions centrally, being perfectly placed to strike.

Rankin, meanwhile, looked assured at left-back and was part of a solid, albeit rarely tested, rearguard action that earned goalkeeper Teagan Micah a third successive clean sheet. The shotstopper is in the shop window after two years light on consistent game time for Liverpool.

Kahli Johnson scored in her debut for the Matildas. Picture: Getty Images

UEFA Women’s Champions League winners held back

Although forecast, Arsenal’s Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross being unused substitutes will have pained the younger portions of the 43,002-strong crowd, desperate to see their heroes. Especially as those in attendance had chosen the round ball over Collingwood-Hawthorn’s AFL bout across town at the MCG.

Tom Sermanni milestone

His 150th game in charge of the Matildas could be his penultimate, with Melburnian Joe Montemurro hotly tipped to bid French giants Lyon farewell and take on his first national team gig.

Clare Wheeler and Argentina’s Sophia Braun compete for possession. Picture: Getty Images

Coming next

A rematch against Argentina - ranked 33rd in the world and participants at the last two Women’s World Cups - takes place in Canberra on Monday night, and the group’s less-established names, including Johnson, will be eager to clock more time in Tillies colours as the jostling for selection at next March’s home AFC Asian Women’s Cup begins to heat up.

This opportunity, followed up by two more doubleheaders against Slovenia (38th) and Panama (57th) in Western Australia this winter, holds greater significance given the absence of multiple international heavyweights.

Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso, and Mackenzie Arnold, all unavailable for this window, boast 545 caps.

Friday’s starting XI totalled 438, with Emily Van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy accounting for 293 of these.

Relive the action below.

Originally published as Matildas v Argentina: Johnson scores in debut as Matildas ease past Argentina