Injury-hit Matildas' starting XI revealed for crucial Olympic prep test ...

10 Apr 2024

Hayley Raso’s tidy finish inside the first ten minutes put Australia in front as they hold a 1-0 lead over Mexico in the second half of their international friendly at Toyota Stadium in San Antonio, Texas.

Matildas - Figure 1
Photo Fox Sports

Raso received the ball at the edge of the 18-yard box before creating enough space for herself to fire home a shot past Mexican goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras at her near post.

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The winger’s goal arrived as the Matildas contend with a high and intense press from Mexico who remain determined to make life extremely uncomfortable for the visitors.

Mexico have had a handful of chances themselves, albeit several have come from distance.

Mexico’s Alexia Delgado was one who had a strike from well outside the box, but her long-range effort was comfortably saved by Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Delgado had another ping from range but it flashed wide of Arnold’s right post in a reminder for the Matildas backline about the threat she poses.

The Matildas have lost several stars to injury. (Photo by Ronald Cortes / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson was forced to name a somewhat new-look team amid a mounting casualty ward as Katrina Gorry (ankle), Clare Hunt (foot), Courtney Nevin and Chloe Logarzo (both hip) were all ruled out.

Emily Gielnik also suffered a calf injury in camp, while Aivi Luik, who the coach said was playing the best football of her career, suffered a hamstring strain.

While Gustavsson is confident they will be available for the Olympics, he knows he’ll need a few more tricks up his sleeve in the pursuit of a maiden medal and for games against first the Mexicans in San Antonio and then two home matches against China.

TEAM NEWS

Australia: Arnold; Torpey, Catley, Kennedy, Carpenter; Cooney-Cross, Van Egmond, Fowler; Foord, Heyman, Raso

Mexico: Barreras; Reyes, Ferral, Martinez, Torres; Delgado, Bernal, Reyes; Ovalle, Ordonez, Camberos

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