Australia Women
China PR Women
 
International Friendlies (Women)
AAMI Park
2017-11-22T08:30:00+00:00
Attendance
10,904
tv
Sam Kerr netted twice, one of them a scorcher, as Australia downed China 3-0 in Melbourne.

Kerr stars as Westfield Matildas sizzle in win over China

Two goals from superstar striker Sam Kerr has helped the Westfield Matildas to a dominant 3-0 win over China at AAMI Park on Wednesday night.

In the opening match of a two-game friendly series, Australia dominated from start to finish as Alen Stajcic’s side extended their winning streak to six games.

Kerr was the star of the show, netting twice – including a stunning long-range strike in the second half – as Australia continued their superb recent run of form.

Tameka Butt also found the target for the hosts while returning stars Kyah Simon and Michelle Heyman earned some vital late minutes after long-term injuries.

Australia will tackle China again on Sunday at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.

STORY OF THE GAME

  • The Matildas raced out of the blocks and dominated possession and territory in the opening exchanges without troubling the Chinese goal.
  • Australia continued to press and almost grabbed the opener on 15 minutes with Caitlin Foord’s excellent cross narrowly evading the onrushing Sam Kerr.
  • The hosts’ dominance was eventually rewarded midway through the first half with superstar Sam Kerr burying a clinical header following a corner.
  • Emily van Egmond and Lisa De Vanna fashioned quick-fire chances for the Matildas just before the break but the score remained 1-0 at half time.
  • Steph Catley was forced off at the break after receiving a nasty ankle knock in the first period, with Chloe Logarzo her replacement.
  • The Matildas continued to dictate play after the interval and should have doubled their lead with Sam Kerr firing wide after being played through on goal by Caitlin Foord.
  • Australia doubled their advantage less than 10 minutes into the second half with Tameka Butt’s deflected strike making it 2-0.
  • Sam Kerr completed her brace just past the hour mark with a stunning strike from distance which whistled into the top corner.
  • Returning from long-term injuries, strikers Kyah Simon and Michelle Heyman saw some game time after being introduced in the second half.
  • Substitute keeper Eliza Campbell produced an impressive save in injury time, China’s first shot on target, to help maintain Australia’s clean sheet.

GOALS

1-0 Australia, Sam Kerr, 23’

Emily van Egmond whipped in a delightful cross from a corner with Kerr wriggling free of her marker before burying a brave header amongst a crowd of Chinese defenders.

2-0 Australia, Tameka Butt, 53’

Caitlin Foord surged into the box before finding Butt on the edge of the area, with the midfielder’s strike taking a wicked deflection to leave Chinese keeper Zhao Lina with no chance.

3-0 Australia, Sam Kerr, 64’

What a goal! Caitlin Foord laid the ball off for Kerr with the striker unleashing an unstoppable first-time strike from 25 metres which arrowed into the top corner. INCREDIBLE!

MATILDAS STARTING XI

Opta Widget: Opta

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