The Australian women’s football team, The Commbank Matildas, played a stunning match of exhibition football at Industree Group, (Central Coast) Stadium on Tuesday night against Thailand, winning 2 – 0.
Global women’s football superstar Sam Kerr demonstrated her remarkable teamwork and skills to the big local crowd that revelled in the quality of the play.
Kerr slotted in the game’s first goal five minutes before half time, with Matildas teammate Haley Emma Raso scoring the second just after half time.
The local team dominated play, having at least 10 direct shots on target, many hitting the verticals and crossbar in what was an impressive game of attacking football.
Local football fans were impressed to have a national game played in Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium renamed Industree Group Stadium for the night. The demonstration of support the women’s game in the region bodes well for women’s professional football.
The Central Coast Mariners recently have been approved by the FFA to enter the Aleague-Women competition, fielding a Women’s Team in the 2023/24 season.
Last week The Matildas thrashed reining world championship team Sweden 4 – 0 in front of a bumper crowd at Melbourne’s AAMI park.
The Aussie team is been playing a series of so called friendly games against high quality national rivals in preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year in July.
The Matilda’s opening match of the World Cup will be against Ireland on July 20 next year.
David Abrahams