The CommBank Junior Matildas have been defeated 3-1 by Spain in their second group stage game at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™.
Frida Karaberis scored in the second half in a fighting effort against one of the favourites for the tournament.
Head Coach Mike Cooper made two changes to the side that picked up a historic first point on this stage against Chile. Charlotte Bradshaw was rewarded for her goal with a start, with Keira Sarris starting from the bench. Elsewhere on the pitch, Rubi Sullivan came into the side for Leyla Hussein to facilitate a change in formation.
Spain showed their class early. Angela Galvez did fantastically to skip past a number of defenders, firing it home from the edge of the area, after a sustained period of pressure to start the match.
Elena Vizuete doubled their lead six minutes later, a looping header finding its way over Dali Gorr Burchmore in goal.
Three changes were made at half-time as the team looked to change the momentum of the game. Jada Taylor, Keira Sarris and Sienna Calvanese were all introduced and helped Australia get themselves back in the game.
Matilda Dias Watewitz was also substituted on, replacing Sakura Leong in the 57th minute.
It was Spain who would score next. Tehya Aspland caught a dancing Abril Diaz just inside the penalty area, leading to a spot kick. Vizuete made no mistake to make it three for the top side.
However, the CommBank Junior Matildas had slowly worked their way back into the contest, and were rewarded for their efforts with a goal. Frida Karaberis picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled it into the top of the net, the pinpoint finish only the second goal for the country at a FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™.
While it was disappointing to lose, the team will take heart from their response after going two goals down early. It leaves them with it all to play for in the final game against Mexico.
Match Summary
Spain: 3 (Galvez 10’, 66’ (P), Vizuete 16’)
Australia: 1 (Karaberis 68’)
Australia: 18. Dali Gorr Burchmore (GK), 2. Willa Pearson, 3. Charlotte Bradshaw, 6. Frida Karaberis (17. Mary Dal Broi 75’), 7. Claire Corbett (9. Sienna Calvanese 45’), 8. Kaya Jugovic, 13. Maeve Nicholas (4. Keira Sarris 45’), 15. Rubi Sullivan, 16. Tehya Aspland, 20. Sakura Leong (11. Matilda Dias Watewitz 57’), 21. Hayley Muir (14. Jada Taylor 45’)
Unused substitutes: 1. Annabelle Croll (GK), 5. Abbie Puckett, 10. Leyla Hussein, 19. Harper Pell.
Yellow cards: 9. Sienna Calvanese, 14. Jada Taylor, 16. Tehya Aspland, 18. Dali Gorr Burchmore
