Fri 7 January 2000
MATILDAS WAY BELOW PAR IN AUSTRALIA CUP OPENER
USA PROVE THEMSELVES WITH BIG WIN

The Matildas made a disappointing start in the Australia Cup tonight, performing way below par for a 2-0 loss to Sweden at North Sydney Oval. In Melbourne, the young USA Team steamrolled Czech Republic 8-1 at Olympic Park.

Australia appeared unusually hesitant and lacking in shape and structure in the strong windy conditions. For a team who these days focuses on keeping possession and building from the back, there was little to cheer about. Sweden were a controlled and efficient unit with good movement in attack and an impressive defensive line.

Sweden soon took advantage of Australia's disorganised state, taking the lead in the 15^th minute. A neat ball was lobbed forward with neither of two defenders taking charge of the bouncing ball, allowing striker Hanna Ljungberg in for a well-executed chip over the keeper from 16 metres.

The Matildas responded immediately and created two openings, Sharon Black forcing a good save from Swedish keeper Ulrika Karlsson. Black then sent in an enticing freekick from the right, the ball flying past the far post just out of reach of a queue of Australian attackers.

But Sweden were too strong and soon doubled their lead, again a defensive error assisting their cause. A near post Malin Andersson corner was challenged for by Swede Cecilia Sandell and ricocheted into the net off a sea of defenders' legs, Sandell credited with the goal.

Sweden never surrendered the upper hand although the second half fell away in terms of composure as heavy rain added to the already difficult conditions. Frustrated with their first half showing, the Matildas at least fought harder after the break. Neither team was able to create any clear chances on goal.

"We got what we deserved," said National Coach Chris Tanzey of the Matildas. " Footballwise, we only played to 30 per cent of our ability. We never played the way we've been working in training and reverted back to the old ways when we came under a bit of pressure. We learnt a lot of things tonight."

Australia : Wheeler, Salisbury, Starr, Alagich, Wainwright (Golebiowski 79), Black (Garriock 69), Forman, Wilson, Duus (Small 46), Boyd (Hughes 63), Murray.

The USA Team dispelled any theories of them being a below standard side as they ran away with an emphatic 8-1 win against the Czech Republic. The young Americans outclassed their opponents in every department, led by impressive performances from attackers Mandy Clemens and Christie Welsh, and midfielders Aleisha Cramer and Aly Wagner.

Jenny Streiffer opened the US account in the 14^th minute followed by a Susan Bush strike three minutes later. After a three-goal lead at the break, they continued to hit the target at will during the second half. Six players scored, including a double from both Streiffer and Sherrill Kester.   The Czechs managed to post a consolation goal with five minutes remaining through Iveta Dudova.

Progressive Points Ladder : USA 3 pts, Sweden 3, Australia 0, Czech Republic 0.