Match Report
The CommBank Matildas suffered defeat in their second group stage game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, falling to Nigeria 3-2.
There was one change to the side that secured victory over the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, as Emily van Egmond came into the squad in place of the injured Mary Fowler. Van Egmond was utilised in the same second-striker role as Fowler, sitting in between the defensive and midfield lines of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, there was one notable omission from the Nigerian teamsheet. Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala was left on the bench after coming into this game under a slight injury cloud. She would not enter the game until the 63rd minute.
The CommBank Matildas started on the front foot, taking advantage of some nervy-looking Super Falcons errors. Both sides settled into the game as the minutes ticked on.
Tony Gustavsson’s side accumulated eight corners in the first half, and crosses from deep that came after long diagonal balls from midfield were a theme of Australia’s attack. However, the Nigerian defence stood firm against the aerial bombardment.
The best chance from a corner in the first half came in the 31st minute, when a Steph Catley delivery hit an open Hayley Raso at the back post. Raso was unable to steer the ball on target.
A breakthrough for the CommBank Matildas finally came in the first minute of stoppage time. Caitlin Foord did well to win the ball after a poor goal kick and calmly laid off a pass to Emily van Egmond, who slid the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie for the game's opening goal.
