USA defeat Matildas, American broadcast mocks Australia
The Matildas’ nightmare run at the SheBelievesCup has continued in a brutal loss to the USA that has the Americans laughing at the Aussies.
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The USA have defeated the Matildas 2-1 in the SheBelivesCup in Arizona, but it’s fair to say the scoreline flattered the Australians.
It was a dire start for the Matildas, who conceded a coast-to-coast goal inside the opening minute of the game through Lynn Biyendolo. You can watch the goal in the video above.
The Matildas might have had half a sniff if not for that goal, as they lifted their level in the middle portion of the match on either side of halftime.
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But a goal to Michelle Cooper in the 68th minute broke the back of the Aussies.
Apart from a fierce shoulder bump challenge, Mary Fowler had minimal impact on the game and was substituted off early in the 63rd minute.
With every game, Sam Kerr’s absence becomes more obvious as the Matildas once again struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.
Caitlin Foord was Australia’s best player against the USA, while Hayley Raso’s ball to set up Michelle Heyman’s consolation goal in the 80th minute was classy.
Kaitlyn Torpey later missed an opportunity to pass to Heyman, who was open and would have a shot on goal, but it was a chance gone begging.
The scoreline could have blown out if not for some clutch saves by Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah in the dying stages.
Emma Hayes is still undefeated as head coach US women’s national team — the Matildas’ dire head-to-head record against USA now reads: 29 losses, five draws and one win.
The Matildas suffered a disastrous 4-0 loss to Japan in their opening match on Friday, barely firing a single shot on goal despite fielding a full strength side. But their performance against the USA was a vast improvement on the display against Japan.
Andy Harper said at halftime on Paramount Plus there were promising signs from the Matildas but there was still plenty of room for improvement against the world’s top teams.
“Too often the first touch is not good enough,” he said.
“It not only plays us into trouble because we lose the ball in dangerous areas, it stops us from putting real pressure on the opponents.
“Too often the first touch isn’t adequate. This has to change. This has to be fixed, then they can seriously challenge these better teams.”
The Aussies take on Colombia on Thursday in their final game of the SheBelievesCup.
10.48am — Matildas score, game on?
The Matildas are on the board thanks to a clinical finish from substitute striker Michelle Heyman in hte 80th minute.
The veteran squeezed between the two central defends and headed home an excellent cross from Hayley Raso.
10.34am — USA score, Fowler subbed off
The USA lead 2-0 after scoring at close range following some superb build up play around the box.
Claire Hutton split the Matildas defence with a pinpoint pass and Michelle Cooper slotted the goal. Matildas goalie Teagan Micah had no chance.
Paramount commentator Robbie Thomson: “That’s a real hammer blow for the Matildas, who’d been looking very competitive since about the half hour mark of the match.”
Mary Fowler and Holly McNamara were substitued off in the 63rd minute for Michelle Heyman and Alanah Murphy, who is making her Matildas debut.
9.45am — Mary Fowler flattens American
Mary Fowler has taken some rugby league influence from Nathan Cleary, judging by a collision at the 30-minute mark, as you can see in the video below.
Fowler jumped to contest a high ball from a Matildas corner, but put her knee and shoulder into the USA’s Gisele Thompson.
Grace Gill said on Paramount Plus: “Mary Fowler, eyes on the ball, has absolutely flattened Gisele Thompson. That’s a really uncomfortable one to look at. Great to see her back to her feet and Fowler quick to apologise.”
Caitlin Foord also put a big bump on Alyssa Thompson in a fierce contest.
The USA lead 1-0 at halftime but there have been a few nervy moments at the back for Australia. America scored again but the offside flag saved the Matildas from going 2-0 down.
Tegan Micsh made a great save to stop Biyendolo scoring a goal on the fast break.
Andy Harper said in commentary: “We were thinking ‘Oh my god here we go again’. But thankfully the half didn’t turn out that way. Massive credit to the girls’ mentality.”
9:10am — 40-second disaster for Matildas
Oh boy. The USA have scored after just 41 seconds in a shocking start for the Matildas in Glendale, Arizona.
Straight after kick-off, the Americans sliced their way through Australia’s formation, going coast to coast before Lynn Biyendolo tapped in a ball from Emma Sears. from the six-yard box.
Former Matilda Grace Gill said on Paramount Plus: “It’s a nightmare start for the Matildas, similar to what we saw against Japan. Question mark if it was offside but it’s clear.
“A worst possible opening minute for the Australian side. A dream beginning for the US women’s national team.”
To make matters worse, Biyendolo is married to Australian media personality and basketballer Marley Biyendolo.
9am — US broadcast: Australia doesn’t know soccer
Australia have beaten the USA just once in 35 meetings, back in 2017.
An American promo played before kick-off on the Paramount Plus broadcast showed just how the reigning Olympic gold medallists the USA views Australia as a footballing nation.
“Australia and soccer, no,” the voiceover said in the promo, which you can watch in the video below.
“You guys don’t know soccer. The US national team? Yeah, we’re a bit of a big deal.
“Four World Cups. Five Olympic gold medals. And against the Matildas, when did you guys last beat us? It’s been a minute. I mean, the US has history. Heard of Alex Morgan?
“Who are the Australian soccer equivalents? Oh, there’s Mary at Manchester City.”
The promo then showed clips of Hayley Raso, Caitlin Foord and Cortnee Vine scoring for the Matildas.
“Wow, that’s some firepower. You made the semifinals of the World Cup, really? I don’t remember how the USA went in that tourney (out in round 16). OK, maybe you do you know soccer a little bit. Let’s see what you’ve got. Bring it on.”
Paramount Plus host Niav Owens said in response: “You know what, they’ve earned those bragging rights the USA.”
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Originally published as USA defeat Matildas, American broadcast mocks Australia
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