Matildas versus Sweden

Wed 23 June ‘99

SWEDEN 3 (Jane Tornqvist 9m, Hanna Ljungberg 21m, 69m) defeated AUSTRALIA 1 (Julie Murray 32m) at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, Washington DC Crowd : 16,448

The Matildas' chances of qualifying for the World Cup quarterfinals struck a tragic setback with tonight's 3-1 loss to Sweden at Washington's Jack Kent Cooke Stadium.

Australia must now beat Olympic silver medallists China on Saturday and depend on a favourable result in the Ghana versus Sweden match to advance through to the next stage.

The Matildas again played below par against a polished Swedish outfit in the must-win clash for both teams. Sweden combined well as a unit whilst Australia seemed very rushed and pumped a lot of long balls forward.

Sweden took the lead as early as the 9^th minute, Jane Tornqvist converting a quality corner kick with a strong close-range header. Their lead was doubled in the 21^st minute, a cross from the left deflecting off a defender to leave Australian keeper Belinda Kitching stranded. Hanna Ljungberg was left with the easy task of tapping the ball into the open net.

Matildas' captain Julie Murray pulled the deficit back to one with a classy goal in the 32^nd minute, first winning the ball off the opposition. With two defenders in her wake as she strode towards goal, Murray coolly slotted the ball past the outcoming keeper.

But Sweden remained in control and scored again midway through the second half to all but kill off Australia's chances. A high ball forward failed to be cleared by defender Sarah Cooper and keeper Kitching, allowing Player of the Match Ljungberg to get a foot to the ball in front of the open goal.

The result also marred the occasion for Cheryl Salisbury and Alison Forman, both playing their 50^th full international. Best for Australia were Murray up front, goalkeeper Kitching who made two brilliant saves, and defender Dianne Alagich.

"We're obviously disappointed as we now have to depend on other results going our way," said National Coach Greg Brown. "To win these crucial games, we need to be able to handle the pressure and stick to the game plan - which we didn't. For our next match (against China), we'll look at tonight's game again and discuss things, and maybe make a few changes."

Australia : Kitching, Alagich, Starr (Tann-Darby 87), Bartlett, Cooper (Iannotta 77), Black (Golebiowski 58), Forman, Peters, Casagrande, Murray, Salisbury.

Group D Points Ladder : China 6 pts, Sweden 3, Australia 1, Ghana 1.

Matildas Next Match:

Sat 26 June 2.30pm (Sun 4.30am AEST) China v Australia Giants Stadium, New York

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All Enquiries should be directed to: Ph (02) 6281 7999 or Fax (02) 6281 7975 matildas@ausport.gov.au