Australia's women's national team, known as the Matildas, have boosted their confidence ahead of next year's Women's Asian Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over New Zealand in Adelaide. The result was the perfect tonic for the side after an underwhelming year, and it marked a welcome return to form for star striker Sam Kerr.
Kerr made her highly anticipated comeback in this game, starting alongside Hayley Raso, who struck twice to seal the victory. The 18-year-old forward had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, and her pace and skill on the pitch proved too much for New Zealand's defense to handle.
The Kiwis, meanwhile, were poor value for their opponents. They offered little attacking threat, despite having a few half-chances, and relied heavily on their goalkeeper to keep them in the game. Their midfield was particularly weak, with Emily Van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy dominating possession without being able to create any real opportunities.
Despite New Zealand's lack of creativity, they did have a few scares at times. A goal from Kaitlyn Torpey would have given them hope, but it sailed wide of the post just minutes after another chance had been spurned by Caitlin Foord. Indiah-Paige Riley was lively down the wing, and Grace Wisnewski caused problems for Australia's defense in the box.
However, the Matildas were always in control, with Kerr showing flashes of her old self throughout the game. She created many opportunities for her fellow forwards, including Raso, who scored both goals to give his team a commanding lead. The second goal was particularly impressive, as Raso's persistence paid off after a curling corner from Steph Catley had appeared to be heading straight into the bottom of the net.
The win marked a significant improvement in form for Kerr, who has been absent from the side due to injury for much of this year. Her return has brought a new level of excitement and expectation to the team, but she seemed to settle back into her old rhythm with ease.
For New Zealand, this was an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the top teams in the world. While they did create some chances, they ultimately fell short. The result is a welcome confidence boost for the Matildas ahead of next year's Asian Cup, but it also serves as a reminder that there will be tough challenges ahead if they are to succeed at the tournament.
The win marked a significant improvement in form for Kerr, who has been absent from the side due to injury for much of this year. Her return has brought a new level of excitement and expectation to the team, but she seemed to settle back into her old rhythm with ease.
Kerr made her highly anticipated comeback in this game, starting alongside Hayley Raso, who struck twice to seal the victory. The 18-year-old forward had been in impressive form throughout the tournament, and her pace and skill on the pitch proved too much for New Zealand's defense to handle.
The Kiwis, meanwhile, were poor value for their opponents. They offered little attacking threat, despite having a few half-chances, and relied heavily on their goalkeeper to keep them in the game. Their midfield was particularly weak, with Emily Van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy dominating possession without being able to create any real opportunities.
Despite New Zealand's lack of creativity, they did have a few scares at times. A goal from Kaitlyn Torpey would have given them hope, but it sailed wide of the post just minutes after another chance had been spurned by Caitlin Foord. Indiah-Paige Riley was lively down the wing, and Grace Wisnewski caused problems for Australia's defense in the box.
However, the Matildas were always in control, with Kerr showing flashes of her old self throughout the game. She created many opportunities for her fellow forwards, including Raso, who scored both goals to give his team a commanding lead. The second goal was particularly impressive, as Raso's persistence paid off after a curling corner from Steph Catley had appeared to be heading straight into the bottom of the net.
The win marked a significant improvement in form for Kerr, who has been absent from the side due to injury for much of this year. Her return has brought a new level of excitement and expectation to the team, but she seemed to settle back into her old rhythm with ease.
For New Zealand, this was an opportunity to test their mettle against one of the top teams in the world. While they did create some chances, they ultimately fell short. The result is a welcome confidence boost for the Matildas ahead of next year's Asian Cup, but it also serves as a reminder that there will be tough challenges ahead if they are to succeed at the tournament.
The win marked a significant improvement in form for Kerr, who has been absent from the side due to injury for much of this year. Her return has brought a new level of excitement and expectation to the team, but she seemed to settle back into her old rhythm with ease.
can't believe she's back in form after that injury 2 years ago 
anywayz, Matildas are gonna CRUSH it @ women's asian cup next year 
raso is on fire too!! 
love how aussie defense is holding strong 
and btw, Kaitlyn Torpey is underrated lol 
The girl is a total legend on the pitch and it's amazing to see her back in form. That 2-0 win over New Zealand was like a shot of adrenaline straight into my heart 
. I was a bit worried when she wasn't playing due to injury, but she definitely makes up for lost time now 
.
That kid is like a gazelle on the pitch, dodging and weaving around defenders with ease 
. And Steph Catley's corner kick was like magic 
. I'm seriously so glad to see these players working together seamlessly again.
. They gave it their all but just couldn't seem to catch a break 
. I mean, who hasn't been in those shoes, right? 
. They've got their star player back and now it's just a matter of putting everything together for the Asian Cup. I'm seriously stoked to see what they can do 
!
and I gotta give it to them for giving it a go 
but the Matildas are looking strong 
can't wait to see what they do at the Asian Cup next year 
️!
. They've got some tough matches coming up but if they can keep playing like this, I think they've got a real shot at winning it all.
. There are still plenty of challenges ahead and we don't want to jinx them just yet. Still, with Kerr back in the mix and Raso on fire, the Matildas are looking like a force to be reckoned with 
got to feel for new zealand though, they're always tough opponents 
I'm not convinced. And let's be real, their form has been all over the place this year 
. One win doesn't make up for all the losses they've had. They need to keep working hard and proving themselves if they want to take on the best teams in Asia 
Raso 2 scored 2 goals & Hayley was on fire down the wing 
. NZ just didn't bring their A game & it shows in dis result 
New Zealand needs 2 step up their game if they wanna compete w/ the best teams out there 
.
. Matildas are looking like they're gonna take it by storm. Bring on the competition! 
. The Kiwis were always gonna get thrashed by Australia, I mean, have you seen their squad? 
They don't stand a chance against the Matildas! Sam Kerr is back and she's still got it 
Just saw that a massive fire is raging outta control in Western Australia... been burning for days 
Sam Kerr's back and she's causing problems like old times 
. gotta be good for their chances at the Asian Cup next year 
they really needed that win to boost their morale ahead of next year's Asian Cup. Sam Kerr was on fire 
. The Matildas are definitely looking like the team to beat now 