The Westfield Matildas have stunned the USA with an historic first-ever win over the women’s football powerhouse in their opening Tournament of Nations clash in Seattle on Friday (Australian time).
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While the game itself didn’t live up to previous thrilling encounters, it showed how well the Westfield Matildas have developed under coach Alen Stajcic after the 1-0 win.
The Aussies more than matched it against a US side that lacked attacking fluency for most of this clash in front of a large crowd at the Century Link Field in Seattle.
The win will give the Aussies a huge boost heading into their next two games in the tournament against Japan and Brazil.
STORY OF THE GAME
►USA dominated the first 20 minutes forcing the Aussies onto the back foot.
►Australia worked their way back into the contest as the first half wore on.
►The US brought on big guns Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan just after the hour mark, but it was the Matildas who took the lead just after the two US superstars came on.
►The Americans pressed late on and despite some close calls, the Aussies hung on for a famous victory.
KEY MOMENTS
►Lydia Willliams with a superb low stop off Megan Rapinoe after 10 minutes when the US were on top.
►And again late in the second half, the star Aussie keeper palming away Carli Lloyd’s stinging drive after Rapinoe had broke clear down the flank
GOAL
Tameka Butt 66’ Australia 0-1
The US failed to clear on the edge of the box, the loose ball fell to Butt inside the box and she let the ball drop before guiding it past the US keeper
