Simon grabs late winner against Brazil
Teenage sensation Kyah Simon has scored a memorable injury-time goal, to earn the Matildas a sensational 1-0 win over World Cup finalist Brazil at the Peace Cup in Korea Republic.
Teenage sensation Kyah Simon has scored a memorable injury-time goal, to earn the Matildas a sensational 1-0 win over World Cup finalist Brazil at the Peace Cup in Korea Republic.
Sydney 16-year-old Simon scored the dramatic goal in the dying seconds of the match overturning the result from last year's World Cup in China when Brazil ended Australia's historic run at the quarter final stage.
Brazil hit the crossbar in the first half with Australian skipper Cheryl Salisbury doing likewise on the hour mark in what was a tight contest throughout.
The Matildas though were denied a place in Sunday's final after the world's top ranked team USA defeated Italy 2-0 in the late match. The USA now meet Canada in Sunday's final in a repeat of the 2006 final of the prestigious eight nation tournament.
“It was a superb performance from the team and a great way to finish the tournament," said coach Tom Sermanni.
The match throughout was entertaining with both sides looking to attack at every opportunity.
Brazil went close early on, when a near post header was flicked on towards goal, with Heather Garriock blocking and clearing off the line.
Caitlin Munoz had Australia-s first real chance after 25 minutes, when she headed a Di Alagich cross just wide and it was devu ju two minutes later, when she headed a Lauren Colthorpe cross wide.
Three minutes before the break, Brazil almost took the lead when a de Farias shot cannoned against the crossbar, while Australia saved their best chance till the dying seconds, when Lisa De Vanna-s shot from the edge of the box, was well saved by the Brazilian keeper.
The second half opened at a furious pace, with goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri making a good save in the opening minute, while Cheryl Salisbury forced a fumble from the Brazilian keeper in the minutes after.
The chances were coming thick and fast for both sides and after 62 minutes, Salisbury saw a header from Collette McCallum-s cross, hit the post.
Simon-s introduction with 15 to play certainly livened up the Australian attack, as they pressed for a winner and that came one minute into injury time, when she had time and space to shoot from the edge of the box and the finish was too good.
"We have now had ten tough matches in the last month and have been on the road for a long time but this match once again shows the character and ability of our team.
"The strength and resilience we showed in these circumstances was outstanding and I am proud of the players.
"Brazil gave us a tough game as expected, they are quick and very aware in a football sense, but they are also physically strong and resilient. That we managed to keep a clean sheet is a bonus.
"We have beaten one of the best teams in the world, and this is a great milestone in our rebuilding stage towards our next major tournaments."
Match Details:-
Australia 1 (Kyah Simon 91') Brazil 0
Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Di Alagich, Kate McShea, Cheryl Salisbury, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum (Kim Carroll 92'), Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman 61'), Heather Garriock, Caitlin Munoz (Kyah Simon 74'), Lisa De Vanna
Subs not used: Lydia Williams, Clare Polkinghorne, Kate Gill, Karla Reuter, Amber Neilson, Jenna Tristram
Cautions: McCallum (85')