The Matildas did not capitalise on a number of gilt-edged scoring alternatives in a 1-0 loss to Canada in a pulsating worldwide pleasant at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Canada took a 1-0 lead into half-time because of an outstanding strike by Adriana Leon and three cracking saves by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan when Matildas skipper Sam Kerr appeared sure to attain.
The primary half was an open affair with 11 pictures on purpose. The Matildas had seven of them. After the break it was end-to-end with Australia permitting Canada far an excessive amount of latitude whereas in possession, an space of their recreation they might want to enhance earlier than subsequent yr’s Girls’s World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand.
Kerr laid a neat flick on for substitute Cortnee Vine to fireside simply broad within the 83rd minute as Australia pressed for the equaliser. Kerr missed out once more in harm time when Sheridan once more tipped a header over the bar.
The Matildas have been properly served by 19-year-old midfielder Mary Fowler who was busy all through and concerned in a lot of the nice work executed by the facet. Central midfielder Katrina Gorry was additionally excellent, together with her passes opening up alternatives for the ahead line.
A header by Kerr within the fourth minute was beautifully denied by a diving Sheridan after a neat cross from the left by Emily van Egmond.
Canada opened the scoring within the eleventh minute with a cracker. Leon, who performs on the wing for Manchester United, was given an excessive amount of area by the Matildas simply outdoors the field and the 29-year-old speared a rocket end into the highest proper nook.
An advancing Sheridan denied Kerr once more after a slick through-ball from Gorry. Gorry, who took a yr off in 2021 to have a child lady Harper, proved a relentless risk. The Matildas misplaced defender Alanna Kennedy to a leg harm earlier than half-time and she or he was changed by Aivi Luik.
With 320 days to go till the World Cup kicks off, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has signalled that consistency and continuity within the crew lineup would be the key as he tapers the facet in the direction of being at their greatest when the crunch video games are on.
Gustavsson was not capable of begin this marketing campaign along with his greatest crew, with seven beginning gamers from the Tokyo Olympics semi-final facet that misplaced 1-0 to Sweden unavailable.
Two of these – ahead Caitlin Foord and defender Steph Catley – advised Channel 10 earlier than kick-off they have been hopeful of being accessible for the second conflict with Canada on Tuesday in Sydney.
