ASA: The Australian women’s national team, the Qantas Matildas, started their final Olympic Games preparations by opening their two-match series against China with a 2-0 win at the Chinese Football Association National Training Centre near Beijing.
With the scores deadlocked at nil-all at half time, Sarah Walsh (pictured right) netted twice in the second half to seal the win.
Currently the Qantas Matildas are ranked 16th in the world while China is rated 5th, so coach Adrian Santrac was delighted with the result which was played in thirty minute halves and not deemed a full international.
“It was a very good first up performance for the team,” said Santrac.
“It was pleasing to score twice against such a good nation, but we still have a lot of work to do to improve our game to where we need to be.
“This performance was a very promising start.”
The first half was tight with neither side able to trouble the scorers due to solid defence.
Walsh’s first goal came in the 15th minute of the second half after Heather Garriock raced down the left sideline and sent a great cross to Walsh who slotted home from in front.
She added her second in the final minute when she collected a great chip pass over the defence from Joanne Peters to slot the ball into the left hand corner.
The Qantas Matildas will play China again on Thursday at the same venue.
Qantas Matildas 2 (Walsh 45′, 60′) defeated China 0.
Australia line-up: Cassandra Kell (18. Melissa Barbieri 30′), Rhian Davies, Sacha Wainwright, Dianne Alagich (Thea Slatyer 30′), Cheryl Salisbury (Karla Reuter 50′), Sally Shipard (Tal Karp 30′), Sarah Walsh, Heather Garriock, Joanne Peters, Lisa de Vanna (Kylie Ledbrook 30′), Danielle Small (Gillian Foster 30′)
Replacements not used: 19. Amy Taylor, 20. Leah Blayney, 21. Lana Harch, 23. Kathryn Gill