|
|
|
| Matildas v Ghana Sun 20 June ‘99 AUSTRALIA 1 (Julie Murray 74m) drew with GHANA 1 (Nana Gyamfua 76m) at Foxboro Stadium, Boston, USA MATILDAS' POOR FINISHING COSTLY IN WORLD CUP OPENER Poor finishing proved costly for the Matildas in their World Cup opener against Ghana this afternoon in Boston, managing only a 1-1 draw against a team reduced to ten players midway through the first half. The Matildas created twice as many opportunities on goal than their opponent in what was a fast-paced contest, but failed to make them count. The usual passing game was missing from the Australians' play, too often resorting to the long ball forward. The unknown Ghanaian combination however was dangerous on the attack and very physical. In the 26th minute, a rugged tackle from behind on Aussie midfielder Joanne Peters prompted the referee to issue a red card send-off to Ghana's Barikisu Tettey-Quao. The situation did not seem to dampen Ghana's resolve, proving just as big a barrier to the Australians in search of a goal. With good chances falling to Julie Murray, Cheryl Salisbury and Alison Forman, Australia's closest first-half strike was a long-range effort from defender Dianne Alagich from deep on the right which was untidily raked out by the goalkeeper from behind the goalline. The score remained nil-all at the break. The second half continued in much the same vein, Australia with plenty of chances, and Ghana still threatening when they were able to push forward. The long awaited goal for Australia finally came in the 74th minute, Murray released up the right with two defenders in tow. Dribbling towards goal, Murray clinically snapped her shot over the body of the goalkeeper coming out for the challenge. But the Australian celebrations quickly turned to despair as Ghana equalised from almost the very next play. Caught in possession, the Matildas' defence failed to clear the ball and instead tried to play it out. The ball ended up with Ghana's Patience Sackey whose shot was parried away by keeper Tracey Wheeler. The rebound fell nicely for substitute Nana Gyamfua to volley first time into the roof of the net. Today's result makes hopes of a quarterfinals berth more difficult, but the campaign is not over. The Matildas must defeat Sweden in their next match on Wednesday night in Washington DC, a result which would put the strong Europeans out of the race. "We created enough chances to win two or three games but we didn't put them away, and in a tournament like this, you have to," said National Coach Greg Brown. "I thought we should have been more composed We played too much long ball and didn't build up enough. But things haven't changed too much. If we'd won today, we still would have to beat Sweden and that's still the case. And if we can do that, Sweden will be out. I feel we're still in with a good chance." Australia : Wheeler, Alagich, Starr, Bartlett, Cooper, Black, Forman, Peters (Golebiowski 89), Iannotta (Casagrande 59), Murray, Salisbury. Group D Points Ladder : China 3 pts, Australia 1, Ghana 1, Sweden 0.
This page is produced by Women's Soccer in Australia. All Enquiries should be directed to: |