Australia's historic win.

Australia beat Ghana 4-1 in Hangzhou, China tonight.

It was the Matilda's first ever win in a World Cup and was achieved with some style.

Pace, skill and goals were the order of the day as Ghana were crushed with goals from Sarah Walsh, Lisa De Vanna(2) and Heather Garriock


Australia started powerfully in their opening game of the 5th Women’s World Cup in Hangzhou, China.

Heather Garriock set off at a cracking pace down the left hand side causing the Ghanaians numerous problems.

Quick controlled passing between Garriock, Collette MCCallum, Caitlin Munoz and Sarah Walsh must have given Coach Tom Sermanni much pleasure.

Jo Peters and Collette McCallum released Sarah Walsh on a number of occasions but Walsh could not find the net.

Walsh was working hard, her pace and skill causing Ghana many problems.

But Ghana looked threatening on the break and Di Alagich and Cheryl Salisbury were caught out a number of times but Ghana was unable to capitalize.

Continued Australia pressure saw Sally Shipard free on the right. Shipard drove a quality ball into the box; Munoz controlled superbly and set up Walsh who this time made no mistake.

1-0 Australia

With half-time approaching the Matildas were tiring and Ghana was starting to push forward.

What would Sermanni do? Would the Matildas drive on and earn their first ever World Cup game?

Sermanni switched Munoz with Lisa De Vanna and the Matildas exploded.
The pace of De Vanna and Walsh caught Ghana time and time again.

The Coach read the game and his bench well.

De Vanna scored twice, Garriock a superb header and chances came with ease.

In an open game Ghana had a few chance and caused a slight scare at 3-1, but in truth the Matilda’s were in control.

Pace and skill across the park saw Australia secure their first ever World Cup win in China’s oldest city.

Next up Norway. Norway are ranked 4 in the world.

And questions surrounding the Australia defence remain.
But tonight it was a night for Australia to celebrate.


NB: Canberra players Munoz and Shipard both made major contributions and they can be delighted with their role in this great win.

Australia 4 (Sarah Walsh 15’, Lisa De Vanna 57’, 81’ Heather Garriock 69’)



Ghana 1 (Anita Amankwa 70’)



Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Clare Polkinghorne (Thea Slatyer 83’), Cheryl Salisbury (c), Kate McShea, Dianne Alagich; Sally Shipard, Collette McCallum, Joanne Peters (Alicia Ferguson 62’), Heather Garriock; Caitlin Munoz (Lisa De Vanna h/t), Sarah Walsh



Cautions: Walsh 53’, Salisbury 90’


Referee: Adriana Correa (Columbia)

Attendance: 25,592