Matildas Triumph Over South Korea in Newcastle Friendly

newy.com.au – It was a commanding performance at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday as the Matildas secured a 2-0 victory over South Korea, marking a significant step forward in their preparations for the upcoming Asian Cup. The match attracted a record-breaking crowd of 28,019, a big win for women’s football. ​

The deadlock was broken just before half-time when Courtney Nevin delivered a precise pass to Emily van Egmond. The local favourite deftly set up Mary Fowler, who showcased remarkable composure to navigate through a congested penalty area and slot the ball home, granting Australia a 1-0 lead. ​

Midway through the second half, the Matildas doubled their advantage. Mary Fowler initiated a sequence with a cross that found substitute Caitlin Foord. Foord’s successive attempts were thwarted by the Korean defence, but the ball eventually reached Kaitlyn Torpey, whose shot was inadvertently deflected into the net by South Korean defender Lim Seon-joo, resulting in an own goal. ​

The match was not without its challenges. In the 33rd minute, a collision between teammates Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop halted play. Kennedy sustained a noticeable black eye, while Yallop appeared to injure her right knee leading to her substitution. ​

Hometown heroes Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler were instrumental in the midfield, orchestrating play and fortifying the team’s defensive efforts. Their performances resonated with the local supporters, further solidifying Newcastle’s reputation as a stronghold for football talent. ​

Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni was satisfied with the team’s performance. The consecutive clean sheets and cohesive team dynamics reflect a positive trajectory for the Matildas.