The Young Matildas have enjoyed the perfect start to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, recording a 3-1 come-from-behind win over host nation Costa Rica at Estadio Nacional, San José on Thursday afternoon.
Australia fell behind to Costa Rica captain Alexandra Pinell’s stunning long-range free-kick, but goals to Sarah Hunter, Bryleeh Henry and Kirsty Fenton turned the tide of momentum as the Young Matildas overpowered the hosts to register an impressive victory.
The Young Matildas moved to the top of Group A with the three-point display, ahead of Spain and Brazil who drew 0-0 in their tournament opener.
In front of a vibrant home crowd in San José, the host nation got off to a brilliant start through a simply stunning strike from Pinell, who struck a 35-yard free-kick on goal and found the top-right corner.
Despite it being just the fourth game of the tournament, the Costa Rica captain may have already laid claim to the goal of the tournament.
The Young Matildas responded well after going behind. Leah Blayney’s side slowly gained control of the contest; Costa Rica keeper Génesis Gianna Pérez Watson showed signs of shakiness as Ella Tonkin posed a threat from corners and Sarah Hunter caused a spill from a whipped cross off the right flank.
Then, Australia found a way back in after Sheridan Gallagher’s cross off the left struck the hand of Abigail Sancho Fallas in the box; Hunter stepped forward to dispatch the resulting penalty into the back of the net and level the scores.
Two minutes later, Australia were ahead. It was another cross causing Costa Rica trouble, with the keeper spilling Gallagher’s ball off the right into the path of both Daniela Galic and Henry. The pair of Australians raffled off the chance to finish; Henry was quickest to the ball, brushing home from close range.
The Young Matildas emerged from the break and began to enjoy a larger share of possession – and more of the ball up the park as Costa Rica retreated under insistent Australia pressure.
In the 72nd minute, Newcastle Jets product Fenton found the all-important third goal for the green and gold. Yet another corner caused problems for Costa Rica, with a ball into the six-yard box repelling off the back of Fenton’s head in a pack of bodies to hit the back of the net and give Australia breathing room.
Seven minutes of additional time were applied at the end of 90 minutes, but the Young Matilda remained in control until the full-time whistle with their two-goal lead intact to collet maximum points from their first game of the tournament.
Young Matildas head coach Blayney is the first female to lead an Australian national team at a World Cup; she begins her tournament record with a win in a dream start for both the players and management in Costa Rica.
Attention will now turn to the two remaining group fixtures against Brazil on Sunday, August 14 and Spain on Wednesday, August 17 (AEST).
YOUNG MATILDAS LINEUP
Starting XI: Sally JAMES (GK), Naomi CHINNAMA, Ella TONKIN, Jamilla RANKIN, Sarah HUNTER (Paige ZOIS 89′), Bryleeh HENRY (Abbey LEMON 77′), Hana LOWRY, Daniela GALIC, Kahli JOHNSON (Charlize RULE 60′), Sheridan GALLAGHER (C) (Jynaya DOS SANTOS 88′), Kirsty FENTON (Jessika NASH 89′)
Unused substitutes: Miranda TEMPLEMAN (GK), Cushla RUE, Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, Chloe LINCOLN (GK), Greta KRASZULA
REMAINING FIXTURES
Brazil v Australia
Saturday, 13 August 2022 (local)/ Sunday, 14 August 2022
Venue: Morera Soto, Alajuela
Kick-Off: 2:00 pm CST (local)/ 6:00am AEST
Broadcast: SBS Australia
Australia v Spain
Tuesday, 16 August 2022 (local)/ Wednesday, 17 August 2022
Venue: Morera Soto, Alajuela
Kick-Off: 8:00 pm CST (local)/ 12:00pm AEST
Broadcast: SBS Australia
