Kerr and Laso hit target as Matildas beat tie in final game of 2022
The Matildas beat Thailand 2-0 to set the longest winning streak of Tony Gustafsson’s tenure as coach, confirming positive signs ahead of next year’s World Cup at home.
Key Point:
- Matildas beat Thailand 2-0 in international friendly at Central Coast Stadium
- Sam Kerr and Haley Laso scored in the 40th and 47th minutes respectively.
- Australia have now won their last four games and are undefeated in their nine matches against Thailand.
The final scoreline did not reflect Matilda’s dominance in a game characterized by missed opportunities.
Australia finished Tuesday night at the Central Coast Stadium with 31 shots to five goals for the tie.
But Thailand have struggled to secure their way to a third and are in no danger of upsetting the host nation, which has more friendly games due as the 2023 World Cup draws near. did.
Captain Sam Kerr had three chances to score within 10 minutes, Haley Laso and Courtney Vine slowed down the flanks and were a constant threat, but the scoreline remained 0-0 until the 40th minute. did.
Thailand’s luck finally ran out when Kerr headed Katrina Gory’s corner into the back of the net.
Gustafsson made no changes to his starting lineup, which beat Sweden last week, but Mary Fowler, Larissa Kramer and Emily Van Egmond were brought in after the interval.
A natural striker, Kramer replaced defender Charlotte Grant, who appeared to pick up a knock on the countdown to halftime.
Just two minutes into half-time, Laso showed no sign of the thigh cork they suffered in the first half when they tore through the middle of the Thai defense and scored Australia’s second goal on goal.
Kerr scored an early mark in the 62nd minute and was replaced by Alex Sidiak and the Australian never scored again despite continuing to enjoy numerous chances.
Defender Claire Polkinhorn made her 151st appearance for the national team, joining Cheryl Sainsbury as the most played Matilda in history.
In the final 10 minutes, Elise Keron Knight returned from injury two and a half years before the Tokyo Olympics and Gustafsson made her debut for Matilda McNamara.
Australia have now won their last four games and are undefeated in their nine matches against Thailand.
AAP
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-15/matildas-beat-thailand-in-last-game-of-22/101658010 Kerr and Laso hit target as Matildas beat tie in final game of 2022