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Olympics: Matildas Hub

Updated: Aug 9, 2021

Match 1 vs New Zealand

The Matildas got the job done against trans-tasman rivals New Zealand, securing a 2-1 victory after the Kiwis pinched one late to start their Olympics campaign on the right foot.


As expected, Sam Kerr was at the fore assisting Tameka Yallop and scoring a goal of her own.



Match 2 vs Sweden

Fresh off a 3-0 thumping of powerhouse USA, Sweden was sky-high on confidence but the Matildas took it up to them.


They would ulitmately fall short, losing 4-2, but there were plenty of positives to take away from the game.


Sam Kerr scored a brace, but her performance was soured by Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl who hung in the air spectacularly to deflect her penalty.




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Match 3 vs USA

A 0-0 draw with USA should secure a quarter-final berth for the Matildas.


With eight sides progressing from three groups of four, the two best third-placed sides qualify for the knockout stage. Australia finished third in their group with four points and a goal difference of -1, meaning it would take a Japan win plus five-goal victory from China or seven-goal victory from Namibia to eliminate the Matildas.


World no. 1 and reigning World Cup champions Team USA didn't look to be at their best, but a draw with a side of such calibre is no small feat. The Matildas look well-positioned for a medal tilt.



Quarter Final vs Great Britain

The Matildas have upstaged Great Britain in a thrilling 4-3 encounter!


In a truly gutsy and defiant upset, Australia looked to be dead and buried multiple times, but rallied with their tournament on the line.


First it was Sam Kerr scoring in the 89th minute to send the game to extra-time, and then it was Teagan Micah making a brilliant save to keep out a contentious penalty.


Almost instantly after that save, the Matildas scored not once, but twice - through Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr - turning a seemingly inevitable 2-3 deficit into a 4-2 lead. .


In the 115th minute Ellen White would complete her hattrick for Great Britain, causing a few nervous moments for the Matildas as they battled to hold on. Fortunately they did


They'll look to keep their gold medal hopes alive in the semi-final against Sweden at 9:00pm AEST on Monday night. The sides met in the group stage, with Sweden prevailing 4-2.



Semi Final vs Sweden

The Matildas medal hopes are still alive, but it won't be the colour they were hoping for after a 1-0 defeat to Sweden.


The in-form team in women's football, downing Sweden was always going to be a tough ask, but Australia gave them a run for their money.


Sam Kerr found the back of the net with a superb volley on the cusp of half-time, but a free kick was awarded to Sweden seconds prior in the tussle of the scrimmage.


The free kick was questionable, amplified by the fact it denied the Matildas their best chance at goal, and many believe the referee should have let play roll on and allowed VAR to run a fine-tooth comb over the incident.


Nevertheless, full credit must be given to Sweden who were the better side, and they led for the duration of the second half after Fridolina Rolfo put them ahead.


Despite the Matildas best efforts, they couldn't overcome the deficit.


The loss was amplified by a red card to a frustrated Ellie Carpenter in the final minute, meaning she'll miss the bronze medal match.


The Matildas will be looking to overcome her absence when they do battle with Team USA at 6:00pm AEST on Thursday. Another side from their group, Australia scrapped out a 0-0 draw last time the sides met.



Bronze Medal Match vs USA

Team USA were too good for the Matildas, prevailing 4-3 to claim bronze.


The game began in a frenzied fashion, with America leading 2-1 by the 21st minute.


Carli Lloyd netted her first on the cusp of half-time to make it 3-1 in favour of Team USA, and by the time she had her double in the 51st minute, the Matildas were confronted with a mountain to climb.


Still, they persevered, playing until the final whistle.


Caitlin Foord replied to Lloyd just three minutes later with a goal on her own, cutting America's lead to two.


The 4-2 scoreline remained intact until the 90th minute when Emily Gielnik scored, making for a nervous stoppage time for Team USA as the Matildas desperately tried to force the match to extra time.


Unfortunately they fell agonisingly short of that coveted medal.


A courageous campaign nonetheless with plenty of challenging fixtures. The triumph over Great Britain will be viewed as a highlight.




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