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Mon 15 September 2003 The Qantas Matildas ended their five-match preparations for the World Cup with a 2-0 loss to Canada this morning (Aust time) at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, Ontario. Despite the result, Australia put up their best performance of the Pre-World Cup tour, particularly in the first half, although were unable to convert that into goals. They then paid the price for two mistakes from which Canada scored a quick pair of goals midway through the second term. The Qantas Matildas now head to Los Angeles tomorrow in readiness for their first match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Sunday 21 September against Russia. Canada, with a world ranking of 12 (three above Australia), now enter the World Cup with an impressive record of ten matches without defeat – nine wins and a draw. "This was a game that got away from us," said National Coach Adrian Santrac. "The first half was the best we have performed on tour – the game should have been over at half-time. But it’s no good creating chances if we don’t take them. We left the door open and in the second half, Canada scored from two basic errors of judgement, and we weren’t able to recover. The first half at times was outstanding and there are many positives to be drawn out of this performance." The Qantas Matildas lined up again without key defender Dianne Alagich, still recovering from a hamstring injury. Canada, as expected, were very physical from the opening whistle, but the Australians did not allow that to be a distracting factor and kept to their game plan. The Australian defence led by Rhian Davies, Cheryl Salisbury, and goalkeeper Cassandra Kell denied the home side any clear chances on goal for the first half-hour, after which the Qantas Matildas were able to assert more authority in attack before the break. Australia’s best chance of the match was the result of a dangerous Sacha Wainwright cross which caused problems for the Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc. In the ensuing scramble, Gill Foster had a shot on goal but the ball was cleared off the line by a defender. A minute later, Heather Garriock was sent through with some fine lead-up work by Australia, but her attempt went to the keeper. Another two minutes later, Canada had a great chance to claim the lead, but the strike flew over the bar. Australia continued to push forward, Garriock in with another shot which was blocked on its way to goal, to end the first 45 minutes scoreless. Canada lifted in the second half to create more chances on goal. Five minutes in, Canada had a goal disallowed for offside, with substitute Australian keeper Melissa Barbieri then denying Kara Lang with a good diving save in a one-on-one situation in the 60th minute. In the 71st minute, Canada broke the deadlock when veteran superstar Charmaine Hooper headed home a Kristina Kiss corner kick at the far post. The lead was doubled just two minutes later from an Australian mishap. Playing the ball out from the back, an Australian defender tripped over, allowing Rhian Wilkinson to slam the ball into the back of the net. Australia had a last minute chance to score but the promising attack ended with a Joanne Peters effort which flew wide of the mark. MATCH DETAILS : CANADA 2 (Charmaine Hooper 71m, Rhian Wilkinson
73m) Date : Sunday 14 September 2003, 2.00pm kickoff AUSTRALIA Lineup : Cassandra Kell (GK) (Melissa Barbieri 46’), Gillian Foster, Sacha Wainwright, Cheryl Salisbury (c) (Pamela Grant 88’), Rhian Davies, Bryony Duus (Danielle Small 77’), April Mann (Kelly Golebiowski 77’), Joanne Peters, Heather Garriock, Karla Reuter, Tal Karp (Taryn Rockall 74’). Subs not used : Amy Beattie (GK), Amy Wilson, Hayley Crawford. (Dianne Alagich unavailable to play – injury). Canada Lineup : Karina LeBlanc (GK) (Taryn Swiatek 83’), Christine Latham (Christine Sinclair 46’), Andrea Neil, Sharolta Nonen, Kristina Kiss (Isabelle Morneau 76’), Rhian Wilkinson, Charmaine Hooper, Kara Lang (Sasha Andrews 76’), Brittany Timko, Silvana Burtini (Diana Matheson 57’), Tanya Dennis. Subs not used : Linda Consolante, Carmelina Moscato, Erin McLeod. (Randee Hermus unavailable).
The FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 2003 is scheduled for 20 September to 12 October. The Qantas Matildas open their campaign on Sunday 21 September against Russia in Los Angeles, followed by China on Thursday 25 September in Los Angeles, then Ghana on Sunday 28 September in Portland. The Final Draw for the 2003 Women’s World Cup, held on 17 July, produced the following groups – Group A – USA, Sweden, Nigeria, DPR Korea The full match schedule is available at www.fifaworldcup.com USA was named as the new host nation after FIFA moved the event from original host China following the outbreak of the SARS virus. USA 2003 is the fourth Women’s World Cup, and will be Australia’s third consecutive Women’s World Cup finals appearance. The Qantas Matildas placed 12th (of twelve nations) in Sweden 1995, and 11th (of sixteen) in USA 1999.
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