Alex Chidiac further enhanced her Women’s World Cup selection claims as Katrina Gorry and Caitlin Foord both scored long-range belters as the Matildas rounded out their Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-0 victory over Jamaica.
It was their seventh consecutive win and another clean sheet in Newcastle on Wednesday night, but coach Tony Gustavsson would have been hoping for a slightly more emphatic finish to their World Cup dress rehearsal, despite the eye-catching nature of Australia’s three goals.
Alex Chidiac celebrates scoring against Jamaica as Australia takes out the Cup of Nations tournament.Credit:Getty Images
While the Matildas improved as the game opened up in the second half, there were more than a few hints of lethargy early on as Gustavsson rolled out largely the same starting team for their third game in seven days.
The Reggae Girlz – ranked No.44 in the world by FIFA – were mostly comfortable in defence, while causing the odd headache for a rather lacklustre Australia in the other direction.
The first half was totally forgettable, bordering on boring – all except for Gorry’s stunning first-time strike in the 28th minute, which broke the deadlock almost out of nowhere and should live long in the memory of the 9093 fans who braved relentless wet weather at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Gorry, who started again the heart of midfield, received a layoff from Foord at the edge of Australia’s attacking penalty box and swiped at the ball with the outside of her foot, beautifully curling it over and around Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.
Katrina Gorry in action against Jamaica.Credit:Getty Images
But the Matildas were otherwise dysfunctional, and would have conceded an equaliser were it not for the outstretched leg of Mackenzie Arnold, who denied a close-range attempt from Kayla McKenna in the dying embers of the opening half.
Gustavsson made two changes at the break, swapping Clare Polkinghorne with Charli Grant and bringing on Chidiac for the ineffectual Larissa Crummer, who was played on the wing in place of Hayley Raso – and they seemed to have the desired effect.
Courtney Nevin moved to centre-back to accommodate Grant’s drive and initiative at right fullback, while Chidiac – a standout for Melbourne Victory in the A-League Women – made another effective cameo, putting her name on the scoresheet after just 10 minutes on the field, if not also in Gustavsson’s prospective 23-player squad for the Women’s World Cup.
Caitlin Foord celebrates a goal.Credit:Getty Images
Gorry was the provider with a cutback, but Chidiac initiated the move from midfield before ghosting into the box, and still had plenty to do when she received the pass, dodging two Jamaican defenders before slamming home her shot.
There was more to come from the Matildas, as Foord combined brilliantly with skipper Sam Kerr – one of few times on the night where their partnership bore attacking fruit – in the 69th minute to extend their lead to three goals.
Kerr and Foord, who appear to be Gustavsson’s preferred forward duo as part of a 4-4-2 system that has underpinned their recent form turnaround, exchanged passes before the latter unleashed from distance, her effort arguably bettering Gorry’s strike from a similar range.
The Matildas lift the Cup of Nations trophy as they continue their preparations for the World Cup.Credit:Getty Images
The Reggae Girlz mounted a late rally for a consolation goal, but it never came, with Mary Fowler and Tameka Yallop – as well as Newcastle products Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler – given a run off the bench by Gustavsson.
They finished the night lifting a trophy – their first during Gustavsson’s reign – although, in truth, the only meaning it holds is in what it represents. As a practice run for the World Cup itself, it’s hard to be unhappy with three wins from three in the Cup of Nations, which would put them top of Group B if they can do it again five months from now.
But much bigger tests loom as the Matildas switch their attention to April’s friendly in London with England, the reigning European champions, who they are likely to face in the round of 16 if they finish second in the group.
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