The Qantas Matildas lost 1-0 to England this morning (Aust time) at Burnley FC's Turf Moor, in game three of the Australians' five-match tour enroute to the Women's World Cup.
England immediately set the visitors reeling with a goal in the 21st second of play, in this first ever senior women's international between the two countries. England, who narrowly missed qualification for this year's World Cup and are building towards the 2005 European Championship, are currently ranked 13th in the world, two places above Australia.
"You can't start a game at this level the way we started today and expect to be successful," said National Coach Adrian Santrac after the match. "We were a goal down before 30 seconds, and from there we were always chasing the game. While the players gave everything physically to turn the result around, it was a performance that lacked composure and control. The first half showed passages of very good football and we were unfortunate not to be on the scoreboard by half-time."
Santrac added, "The first half performance was an improvement from (how we played in) China, and showed we are moving in the right direction. The second half left a lot to be desired. We've conceded a goal in the first 15 minutes of each of these three matches."
"We are expecting a similar type of game against Scotland on Saturday and I expect a much stronger and more consistent 90 minutes against them."
The Qantas Matildas were without key defender Dianne Alagich, sidelined by a slight hamstring strain. The opportunity was presented for Karla Reuter to make her starting eleven debut in what was only her second appearance for the Qantas Matildas, and played the full ninety minutes.
England's quickfire goal came from a fast break after England had won the ball close to half-way. Star striker Kelly Smith then provided the inch-perfect through-ball setting up teammate Rachel Yankey with only the keeper to beat and finished the chance well.
Australia soon had opportunities for the equaliser, Joanne Peters striking high, Heather Garriock shooting wide of the target, and a long cross from Rhian Davies hitting the crossbar. England played a good pressing game and were solid in defence.
The Qantas Matildas' best chance of the match fell to Kelly Golebiowski in the 21st minute, but she was unable to beat goalkeeper Rachel Brown in the one-on-one opportunity. Another Peters shot, in the dying minutes of the first half, was blocked by the home defence.
Golebiowski had a rare Australian chance for the second half in the 59th minute, but her attempted flick over the keeper went wide. Qantas Matildas goalkeeper Cassandra Kell was kept fairly busy in this half denying England a stronger lead, her best save tipping over a solid effort from Rachel McArthur in the 76th minute. Australia displayed more urgency near the end of the game, but were unable to snatch the equaliser.
The Qantas Matildas travel to Scotland on Friday afternoon (local time) with little time to settle before the midday Saturday kickoff against the Scots in Livingston.