Qantas Matildas put six past New Zealand
The Qantas Matildas defeated New Zealand 6-0 last night in the first of two training matches in Canberra. In extremely warm conditions the Qantas Matildas scored three goals in each half to record a comprehensive victory.
The Qantas Matildas defeated New Zealand 6-0 last night in the first of two training matches in Canberra. In extremely warm conditions the Qantas Matildas scored three goals in each half to record a comprehensive victory.
Sarah Walsh opened the scoring after just three minutes with further goals to midfielders Collette McCallum and Heather Garriock.
Half time substitute Lana Harch scored a spectacular long range strike early in the second period with Walsh soon scoring a second before teenage striker Sasha McDonnell rounded the goalkeeper to score her first goal at senior level.
The Qantas Matildas struck the woodwork on a number of occasions with Kate Gill having a goal disallowed for offside. However the threatened goal avalanche didn-t arrive with no change to the scoreboard during the final 25 minutes with both coaches making numerous substitutions as the heat took it-s toll.
The match continuing preparation for the commencement of the team-s Olympic qualifying campaign later this month.
The Qantas Matildas will first meet Chinese Taipei on February 21 having been drawn in Group C of the first stage of Olympic qualifying alongside Chinese Taipei, Myanmar and Uzbekistan. Should the team finish top two in the group they will then progress to the final stage of qualifying and another four team group where DPR Korea await as a seeded team. The final stage of qualifying will be held between April and August with only the top team to progress to the 2008 Olympic Games.
The Qantas Matildas have already qualified for the 2007 FIFA Women-s World Cup in China, September 10-30.
The Qantas Matildas will meet New Zealand in a second training match tomorrow (4.30pm) at the AIS enclosed field in Canberra.
Match Summary
AUSTRALIA 6 (Sarah Walsh 3-/56-, Collette McCallum 39-, Heather Garriock 43-, Lana Harch 50-, Sasha McDonnell 65-) NEW ZEALAND 0
Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (Emma Wirkus h/t); Di Alagich (Rhian Davis h/t), Cheryl Salisbury (c) (Amber Neilson 78-), Kate McShea, Clare Polkinghorne (Ellen Beaumont 60-); Heather Garriock (Kim Carroll 68-), Collette McCallum (Lauren Colthorpe h/t), Joanne Peters (Danielle Small 67-), Joanne Burgess (Lana Harch h/t); Kate Gill (Caitlin Munoz 60-), Sarah Walsh (Sasha McDonnell 60-)
The Qantas Matildas squad in camp at the AIS, Feb 2-8 is:
Goalkeepers - Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lisa Hartley (Wollongong), Lydia Williams (Canberra), Emma Wirkus (Adelaide)
Defenders - Di Alagich (Sydney), Ellen Beaumont (Brisbane), Louisa Bisbi (Melbourne), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Rhian Davies (Sydney), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Newcastle), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle), Thea Slatyer (Sydney)
Midfielders - Joanne Burgess (Sydney), Lauren Colthorpe (Newcastle), Lana Harch (Brisbane), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle), Joanne Peters (Newcastle), Danielle Small (Sydney)
Forwards - Kate Gill (Newcastle), Sasha McDonnell (Brisbane), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Jenna Tristram (Newcastle), Sarah Walsh (Sydney)
(* current home city)