Tops
50,629. This is the number of spectators who were present this Friday, at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, to attend the preparation meeting for the 2023 World Cup between Australia and France (1-0). A record crowd for the Oceania country, as indicated by the Australian Football Federation before the meeting. For comparison, the previous record dates back to 2021, during a friendly match against the United States. That day, 36,109 spectators came to cheer on the Matildas.
She made the difference. Entering the game at half-time, Mary Fowley did not take long to stand out. Indeed, shortly after the hour mark, on a transition launched on the right side, the 20-year-old striker, served by Hayley Rosa, deceived the vigilance of Pauline Peyraud-Magnin with a beautiful strike on the ground (66th) . A decisive goal since it allowed the Matildas to win the victory. A good omen just a few days before the start of the 2023 World Cup.
Flops
They lacked inspiration. If they had possession of the ball, the Blues did not manage to get many clear chances, a bit like in the first half against Ireland (0-3). Blame it on a somewhat stereotyped game and a lot of technical clumsiness. They will have to show a little more creativity in the last third of the field to go far in the World Cup 2023.
By attacking in numbers and wanting to get the Australians high on the ground, the Blues were regularly sucked in…leaving a lot of space in the midfield. Which allowed the Matildas to launch many transitions. And it was on a counter-attack that they were able to make the difference. Hervé Renard’s players will have to show more defensive solidity if they want to have a good run in the World Cup.
Bad news for the Blues. In the added time of the match, Selma Bacha, in a duel, completely twisted her ankle. The Lyonnaise was forced to go out on a stretcher, in tears. His participation in the 2023 World Cup could be compromised. It would be a blow for the France Women’s team which must already do without Amandine Henry, to name but one.
