Australia women’s national team claimed the 2023 Cup of Nations with their impressive 3-2 victory over Spain, with plenty of plaudits belonging to the London-based Matildas.
In what was one of the best performances from Tony Gustavsson’s side since his appointment in 2021, the Matildas maintained their remarkable run of six wins from six in what arrived as a major statement of credentials from the upcoming Women's World Cup co-hosts.
West Ham’s Mackenzie Arnold started her second successive match in goal for Australia having kept a clean sheet in the Matildas opening fixture of the tournament – a 4-0 drumming of Czech Republic on Thursday. Chelsea’s Sam Kerr led the line and Arsenal teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord also fitted into the starting XI.
And it was a dominant display in the first half that saw Australia race into a 2-0 lead before the quarter-hour mark. Kerr was unlucky not to make it three, having been unfairly ruled offside in the 37th minute. Nevertheless, Catley and Foord combined well to see the Matildas go 3-0 up before the interval.
The final scoreline more than flattered Spain, who showed little signs of life until 20 minutes from time when they grabbed a goal back to knock the arrears down to two. A second deep into stoppage time followed to see the final score become 3-2, a disappointing end to what should've been a clean sheet on the balance of play for the Aussies.
Still, the win was enough to see Australia claim the title. They will cap off their Cup of Nations campaign against Jamaica on Wednesday.
The performance is another sign of the international quality brimming within the WSL’s ranks ahead of the summer's showpiece event, with Manchester City's Hayley Raso supplying both assists for Australia's opening two goals.
League action is set to return in March, with the international break cresting into the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.
Chelsea’s Kerr will face compatriots Catley and Foord in a mouth-watering battle between the London rivals for a ticket to the fourth round, while the Hammers face a similarly daunting task against WSL side Aston Villa.
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