Matildas player ratings: How Australia’s players fared in semi-final defeat to England
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The Matildas’ fairytale World Cup run is over, crashing out at the hands of European champions England in the semi-final at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night.
Sam Kerr produced a goal for the ages with a memorable long-range strike, but who starred and who didn’t for Tony Gustavsson’s side, which has exceeded expectations in its home tournament?
Here’s how the Matildas rated in the biggest match in the sport’s history in Australia.
Sam Kerr – 7.5/10
Started her first match of the tournament and produced a moment for the ages with a stunning 25-yard strike to hand the Matildas a World Cup lifeline. Fed on scraps in the first half and was clearly a marked woman drawing heavy fouls and a yellow card from Alex Greenwood. Had two gilt-edged chances to equalise after England’s second goal, but maybe lacking a touch of sharpness? Still, easily Australia’s best attacking option.
Mackenzie Arnold – 7
Had her work cut out in the first half, blocking Georgia Stanway in a one-on-one early and commanded her box by snuffing out several dangerous crosses. Could do nothing for Ella Toone’s stunning opener and was let down by her defence for England’s second. The third? Maybe she could have been positioned better, but an outstanding tournament nonetheless.
Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold and Mary Fowler.Credit: Getty Images, AP, Reuters
Kyra Cooney-Cross – 7
Technically, shows why she will be in the Matildas’ engine room for years to come with another composed display and only gets better dropping the shoulder to turn defenders. Might have wanted a little more accuracy on some of her corners, but a switch to one of Europe’s bigger clubs awaits in the next World Cup cycle.
Katrina Gorry – 6.5
A 100th appearance in Australian colours and never shirked her responsibility chasing down England’s string pullers in the middle of the park. Provided the Matildas’ only shot on target in the first half with a long-range strike at Mary Earps’ goal and released Sam Kerr for the Matildas’ only goal.
Clare Hunt – 6.5
Her reputation has only enhanced with each match and was again solid at the heart of Australia’s defence without Alanna Kennedy. Won possession to set up the counter attack for Sam Kerr’s stunning goal and bankable dealing with a number of England’s crosses. A star on the rise.
Steph Catley – 6
The Matildas’ vice-captain has had an excellent tournament and clearly the Lionesses had a plan to attack Australia on the opposite flank to the Arsenal star. Showed lovely interplay with clubmate Caitlin Foord to fashion a good first-half opportunity, but didn’t have the polish on a couple of her crosses in the attacking third.
Mary Fowler – 6
On the periphery for most of the first half, but we knew that was the case against the possession-driven European champions, right? Came into the game with a couple of nice touches after half-time, but Tony Gustavsson’s hope of creating a combination with Kerr never really materialised.
Caitlin Foord – 5.5
Like Raso, forced to track back into her own half more than she would have liked. Tried hard on a couple of occasions to use her speed to stretch England’s defence, but well held.
Clare Polkinghorne – 5.5
Australia’s veteran defender given her first starting role of the World Cup in place of the ill Alanna Kennedy. Started nervously and erred stepping up trying to play an offside trap, which allowed Stanway clean through on goal. Sacrificed for the last 10 minutes as Australia pressed for an equaliser.
Hayley Raso – 5.5
Australia’s leading scorer in the World Cup perhaps had her most frustrating night, forced to do a mountain of defensive work down Carpenter’s flank and afforded few opportunities in attack. Ran herself into the ground until replaced with 18 minutes left of normal time.
Ellie Carpenter – 5
Had a ding-dong battle with Lauren Hemp and was clearly the busier of Australia’s two fullbacks, but will rue not dealing with a straightforward long ball which allowed Lauren Hemp to score England’s winner. Provided a lung-bursting run to get into a great position in the first half, but overcooked the final ball. Yet again, showed boundless energy but lost focus at a crucial moment.
Substitutes
Cortnee Vine – 6
On at 72 minutes for Hayley Raso. The quarter-final penalty hero provided an immediate injection of speed and almost hauled the Matildas level when shooting from a narrow angle, but alas it wasn’t to be.
Emily van Egmond – 5
Made way for Kerr in the starting XI and was thrown on with nine minutes left of normal time. Not given much of an opportunity to make an impact.
Alex Chidiac – N/A
Only given the last couple of minutes and injury time for Gorry.
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