Match Report
The CommBank Matildas have defeated Uzbekistan 3-0 in the first leg of the AFC Olympic Qualifiers (Third Round). Goals to Michelle Heyman, Mary Fowler and Caitlin Foord helped Australia break down a determined and well-organised Uzbekistan defence in the second half.
The match was a special occasion for 23-year-old Queenslander Kaitlyn Torpey, who became CommBank Matildas Cap #227. She started the game at left wing, in Caitlin Foord’s familiar spot, after impressing in training camp over the past five days. Foord was left out of the starting side after a heavy playing and training load with Arsenal.
Other than that, the team was largely familiar to Australians, one that was seen regularly during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. The team lined up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler both playing as 10s or false 9s, as Torpey and Hayley Raso used their speed on the wing to create opportunities.
The Australian camp had spoken throughout the week about the difficulty of breaking down an organised and talented Uzbekistan defence. That proved to be the case, with the team unable to find a breakthrough in the first half, despite having 75% possession.
Raso was heavily involved in play in the first half, creating several opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her best chance came after an interplay between Torpey and Ellie Carpenter, but she dragged her shot just wide.
