Matildas edged out by USA

Interestingly despite some relatively heavy losses to Japan and North Korea in the Asia Cup recently Australia seem to run the World Number 1, USA, close, again and again and again.

Recent 4-3 and 3-2 losses in the US have been followed up by a narrow 2-1 defeat in the Aussies Peace Cup opener in Korea today.

MATILDAS PUSH WORLD NUMBER ONE USA AT PEACE CUP

A goal 13 minutes from full time has denied the Matildas a draw against world number one USA in their opening match at the 2008 Peace Cup in South Korea.

The USA won 2-1 with the winner from Abby Wambach after Matildas midfielder Heather Garriock equalised in the 58th minute cancelling out Natasha Kai's first half opener for the reigning Olympic champions.

"It was a disappointing result in the end because we looked quite comfortable for much of the game with the USA only rarely able to create goalscoring opportunities," sais Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni.

"On the positive side I'm pleased with the overall performance and we matched the USA in most areas.

"Generally speaking we were far better than we were at times at the recent Asian Cup and it was a much improved performance defensively and also in general play."

Last month Australia were twice denied by injury time goals in their two match series in the USA losing 5-4 and 3-2.

Australia have never defeated the USA in 22 matches between the two nations stretching back to their first meeting in 1987.

Australia will now meet Italy on Tuesday followed by their final Group B match against World Cup runners up Brazil on Thursday.

For more match details see www.footballaustralia.com.au


Match Details:-

Australia 1 (Heather Garriock 58')

USA 2 (Natasha Kai 35', Abby Wambach 77')

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Clare Polkinghorne, Cheryl Salisbury (Kate McShea 72'), Di Alagich, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum (Amber Neilson 85'), Heather Garriock, Joanne Burgess (Amy Chapman 50'), Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Munoz (Kate Gill 74').

Cautions: Alagich 9', Munoz 55'


Peace Cup
Australia v USA
Sunday 15 June

Australia v Italy
Tuesday 17 June

Australia v Brazil
Thursday 19 June

Final
Saturday 21 June

Group A comprises Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and host nation South Korea with the final to be played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.

The Peace Cup is held every two years in South Korea and is considered one of the premier women's football tournaments outside the World Cup with $200,000 USD on offer for the winning team.