Matildas Bounce Back to give Germany a Fright

The Matildas have shown true form in their match against 2^nd ranked Germany overnight after a disappointing loss to an under strength Canadian side.

Alen Stajcic made three changes to the Matildas starting line-up against Germany bringing on Lisa De Vanna, Steph Catley and Kyah Simon.

The Matildas were put under early pressure, but a goal against the run of play by Sam Kerr provided the Aussies with just the start they needed.

Rattled, the Europeans pressed and dominated in shots, but a resilient Matildas managed another goal after some great work on the left from De Vanna to set up Caitlin Foord for the second of the match.

The deficit was reduced to one soon after, as Germany’s Sara Daebritz chipped Lydia Williams, but the Australians were still holding on and could have scored the clincher with 30 minutes to go.

However, poor decision making by Foord who could have set up an unmarked Sam Kerr, fell to a game saving Leonie Maier tackle to deny the Australians.

With ten minutes to go De Vanna was replaced by Heyman who came close to reinstalling the 2 goal lead, but her volley was well stopped by the German goalkeeper Almuth Schult.

Just when you thought that the Australians might defy all the odds, the Europeans were afforded a late goal through Saskia Bartusiak after a good run to the far post off a free kick from the left flank.

The Matildas still have a chance of making it through the group stages depending on goal difference as the two best third ranked teams make it through, and with New Zealand on -1 with Australia to play a winless Zimbabwe there is still hope.

 By Paul Brown – On location in Dubai

@Brown9Paul

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