At the wet and windswept Breakers Stadium this afternoon in front of nearly 4000 fans the Matildas went down to a frustrated USA 0-1.
Starting underdogs to the World Champions Australia played with Sunni Hughes alone up front but with the wide players pushing up at every opportunity. Stunned by the audacious raids by Hughes the USA switched into their speedy and fluent passing game. The Australian midfield harried them and never let them have a settled free shot.
The central defence duo of Cheryl Salisbury and Diane Alagich were superb, making the awesome attacking threesome from the USA struggle.
In the second half Australia continued to raid and then smother the USA thrusts and looked likely to go to extra time. Alas about the 82th minute the ball bounced onto Cheryl Salisbury's arm in the area and the usually excellent referee Tammy Ogston went the American's way. MacMillan slammed a well taken shot past Tracey Wheeler.
Despite being very wet and with windturned umbrellas we were very satified that we had seen: A very competent Australian team who may yet aim for a medal in the Olympics. Two fit, skillfull, and organised teams playing interesting football. Attacking non-cynical football.