It was a case of déjà vu for the Matildas in their second friendly international against the USA early this morning in Birmingham, USA. A last minute goal by the US, earned the home side a 5-4 victory in a pulsating match, which Australia certainly didn’t deserve to lose.
Down 4-1 just seconds into the second half, the Matildas staged a remarkable comeback to level it 4-4 after just 69 minutes. They seemingly had earned a deserved draw with the World No.2, when the US’s Angela Hucles touched home from close range after a free kick into the box was flicked into her path. It was literally the last kick of the game.
With two minutes of normal time remaining, Matildas midfielder Lauren Colthorpe was an inch away from giving Australia the lead, her strike from distance crashing against the crossbar.
Australia led 1-0 after 19 minutes, courtesy of an own goal by the US, but two goals in as many minutes soon after had the US in front.
The US took a 3-1 lead into half time with a goal just minutes prior and literally from the kick-off in the second half made it 4-1 and a possible rout looked on.
But the Matildas showed their fighting spirit and three minutes later, Sarah Walsh scored from close range and it was game on.
Australia was pressing on the artificial pitch and Colthorpe pulled another goal back in the 64th minute, with a terrific angled shot from 18 metres.
Five minutes later, it was all tied up when Jo Burgess’ excellent cross was turned into the net by a US defender trying to deny Walsh her second goal, setting up a fantastic finish.
The US had Australia under pressure for a brief spell, before the Matildas regrouped and had several chances of their own late in the match, including Colthorpe’s magnificent effort from 25 metres out.
But you can never rest with the US and just like 6 days ago, the US somehow plucked out a winner in the final minutes to leave the Matildas with two losses from their trip, but once again showing they can match it with the best teams in women’s football.