Amy Sayer scored a double in her first Matildas start in 549 days to send off coach Tom Sermanni in winning style against Argentina.
Making a long-awaited return to the starting line-up from a devastating ACL injury, the 23-year-old struck twice in the first half to secure a 4-1 win in front of a record 25,125 crowd at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Monday night.
The Matildas dominated possession and scoring opportunities, as the midfield pairing of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Wheeler outclassed their South American opponents.
But some nervy moments at the back between Steph Catley and Natasha Prior gave the tourists a sniff, with the dangerous Kishi Nunez a persistent threat.
Regardless, their sixth-straight victory on home soil is a happy parting gift to interim coach Sermanni in his final game in charge of the national side before being replaced by former Lyon boss Joe Montemurro, who was at the game.
Australia were buoyed by the return of captain Catley and Arsenal teammates Caitlin Foord and Cooney-Cross to the starting XI.
The trio were rested for Friday’s 2-0 win over Argentina following their Women’s Champions League triumph.
Sayer opened the scoring in the 14th minute, popping up at the far post to ram home a deflected volley into the far corner after a searching Kahli Johnson cross evaded a sea of players.
Argentina struggled to play through the Matildas’ high press and failed to exert any real pressure when the home side had the ball.
But a seemingly innocuous through-ball left Prior all at sea and after misjudging an interception left the door open for Nunez to steal in behind unchecked.
The diminutive No.9 settled herself, opened herself up and with her right foot curled the ball past a diving Teagan Micah inside the far post, ending a streak of four clean sheets for the Matildas at home.
Still, the home side wouldn’t lay down their lead for long.
Foord menaced the visitors all night, constantly harrying the Argentinian defenders in possession and threatening to win the ball high up field.
After nicking the ball near the halfway line, the 30-year-old drove into the Argentinian half before releasing Sayer in behind a retreating opposition defence.
From an unfriendly angle, Sayer picked out the far corner past the outstretched gloves of goalkeeper Solana Pereyra.
As the Argentinians tired in the second half, the chances came thick and fast for the Matildas.
Sayer nearly sealed a hat-trick in the 54th after being sent through by Catley but sprayed her shot from the right high and wide.
Holly McNamara nearly scored her first Matildas goal in the 57th minute but the prolific Melbourne City forward’s volley from eight yards out was smartly stopped by a well-positioned Pereyra.
Hometown hero Michelle Heyman, subbed on for Sayer, nearly sent the Canberra crowd into raptures in the 66th minute but was denied by Pereyra with two smart back-to-back saves.
She almost scored again when sent one-on-one with the goalkeeper six minutes later but Pereyra poked the ball away from Heyman’s feet, only for it to be turned in by Emily van Egmond.
Heyman finally got her goal in the 83rd minute after Foord again pressured the Argentinian defence into a mistake on the edge of their box, with the veteran squeezing the ball in off a defender from a tight angle.
Debutant Isabel Gomez also managed to get a run late on but failed to make much of an impression with her limited time.
An early concern for Montemurro will be the fitness of youngster Kahli Johnson, who limped from the field late in the first half.
Amy Sayer Shines in Matildas Victory: Expert Analysis and Game Insights
The Matildas secured a dominant 4-1 victory against argentina in Canberra,marking a memorable send-off for interim coach Tom Sermanni. Amy Sayer’s stunning return and double-goal performance stole the show. We sat down with renowned football analyst, Dr. Emily Carter, to break down the game, discuss key moments, and analyze what this win means for the Matildas moving forward.
Time.news: Dr. carter, thanks for joining us. Amy Sayer’s performance was the talking point of the match. What did you make of her return after such a long injury layoff?
Dr. Emily Carter: It was truly inspiring. To come back from an ACL injury after 549 days and score two goals in your first start is remarkable. It speaks volumes about her dedication, resilience, and the quality of rehab she received. it also highlights the Matildas’ depth – having players ready to step up and perform at that level is crucial for any accomplished team.
Time.news: The article mentioned the Matildas’ midfield dominance, particularly Kyra Cooney-Cross and clare Wheeler. can you elaborate on their influence on the game?
Dr.Emily Carter: Absolutely. Cooney-Cross and Wheeler controlled the tempo and dictated play. they were instrumental in winning possession,distributing the ball effectively,and creating scoring opportunities. Their ability to outclass the Argentinian midfield starved the opposition of chances to mount any offensive attacks.
Time.news: despite the victory, there were some “nervy moments” in defense. How concerning are those lapses, and what needs to be addressed?
Dr.Emily Carter: Every team has moments of vulnerability, and it’s important to acknowledge them even in victory. The partnership between Catley and Prior needs more time to develop. The Matildas’ high-press system is effective, but it does leave space in behind, as Kishi Nunez exploited. Addressing these defensive lapses through better communication, tactical adjustments, and individual player advancement will be crucial under new coach Montemurro.
Time.news: Speaking of Montemurro, this match was his first viewing possibility as the incoming coach.What aspects of the game might have caught his attention the most?
Dr. Emily Carter: Montemurro would have been particularly interested in the team’s tactical flexibility, player form and the strength of the team’s spine, with Catley, Foord and Cooney-Cross returning to the starting eleven.The contributions of players like Sayer and the impact of substitutes such as Michelle Heyman allows him to analyse the full squad. I think what he would have noticed most predominantly is the number of goals the team scored,and that they dominated possession. The defensive play, and occasional lapse might give him a few issues he needs to iron out.
Time.news: Caitlin Foord was pivotal in creating chances, particularly for Sayer’s second goal and Heyman’s late goal. What makes her such a key player for the Matildas?
Dr. Emily Carter: Foord’s tenacity and work rate are unmatched. She consistently presses the opposition, wins the ball in perilous areas, and has the vision and skill to create opportunities for her teammates. Her relentless harrying of the Argentinian defence led directly to goals, showcasing her value beyond just scoring.
Time.news: Kahli Johnson limped off the field with an injury. How meaningful a loss could that be for the team?
Dr. Emily Carter: Any injury is a concern, especially for a young player making her mark [2]. johnson’s pace and crossing ability were evident in the led-up to Sayer’s opening goal. Hopefully, it’s not a serious injury, and she can recover quickly. If she is out, it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth.
Time.news: The crowd at GIO Stadium was a record for a Matildas game there. How critically important is home support for the team?
Dr. emily Carter: Home support is a massive advantage. The energy and passion of the crowd can lift the team and create a challenging atmosphere for the opposition [1]. Playing in front of a supportive crowd gives the Matildas a significant boost in confidence and motivation.
time.news: What’s your final assessment of the game, and what are the key takeaways for our readers?
Dr. Emily carter: The Matildas delivered a solid performance, showcasing their attacking prowess and midfield dominance. Amy Sayer’s return was a highlight, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience. Though, defensive improvements are needed, and new coach Montemurro will be keen to address those. For readers, the key takeaways are the importance of squad depth, tactical flexibility, and continuous improvement in all areas of the game. Also, never underestimate the power of a comeback story like Amy Sayer’s!
Time.news: Dr. Carter,thank you for your insightful analysis.
dr. Emily Carter: My pleasure.
