Matildas beat China

Strange game format! Read the FFA Release below.

Matildas defeat China in Tianjin

The Matildas have recorded a 2-1 victory over China PR in a training match overnight in Tianjin, China.

Prior to the match, both teams agreed to play a novel match format consisting of four, thirty minute quarters, with full interchange and penalty shoot-outs at the end of the second and fourth quarters. Due to these modifications this fixture was not considered to be an “A”-international.

The match began evenly with both teams remaining scoreless during the first quarter, before China took the lead midway through second quarter with a header from Han Duan following a cross from the right. At the end of the second quarter, China took out the first of the evenings penalty shoot-outs 4-3.

China kept their lead throughout the third quarter, but Servet Uzunlar equalised for Australia 12 minutes into the fourth quarter with a deft chip over the Chinese goal-keeper who was caught off her line. Australia then took the lead with 10 minutes to go when Servet Uzunlar was fouled in the box and Amber Neilson converted the resulting penalty with a well placed strike to the bottom right corner of the goal. Australia hung on to complete the victory during regular time, whilst China won the second penalty shoot-out 4-2 at the conclusion of the match.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was proud of his players performance after the modified training match.

“Considering we played for two hours, and China had a larger squad in their prime preparing for the Olympic Games, it was an outstanding effort for us to last the distance” said Sermanni.

“I am very happy that we finished strongly against tough opposition which showed great character and ability from the team.”

“Tonight’s hit-out was extremely useful for everyone and we’re looking forward to the next match,” concluded Sermanni.

The Matildas will play a full "A"-international against China PR on Wednesday (9 July 2008) at the Olympic Stadium in Tianjin (Kick-Off 7:40pm local time)

-ends-

Match Details
China PR 1 (Han Duan 45’)
Australia 2 (Servet Uzunlar 102’, Amber Neilson 110’)
Sunday 6 July 2008
Olympic Stadium, Tianjian, China
*Note this is not an “A”-International due to the modified match format

Australia line-up (1st Quarter): 1.Melissa Barbieri, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 2.Kate McShea, 3.Karla Reuter, 13.Amy Chapman, 6.Amber Neilson, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 20.Joanne Burgess, 17.Kyah Simon, 8.Caitlin Munoz.

Australia line-up (2nd Quarter): 1.Melissa Barbieri, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 22.Ellen Beaumont, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 5.Renee Rollason, 13.Amy Chapman, 8.Caitlin Munoz, 10.Leena Khamis, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Australia line-up (3rd Quarter): 18.Lydia Williams, 5.Renee Rollason, 25.Brooke Spence, 2.Kate McShea, 22.Ellen Beaumont, 17.Kyah Simon, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 6.Amber Neilson, 8.Caitlin Munoz, 10.Leena Khamis, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Australia line-up (4th Quarter): 18.Lydia Williams, 25.Brooke Spence, 14.Clare Polkinghorne, 3.Karla Reuter, 16.Lauren Colthorpe, 5.Renee Rollason, , 22.Ellen Beaumont, 24.Servet Uzunlar, 10.Leena Khamis, 13.Amy Chapman, 15.Victoria Balomenos.

Next Fixture:
China PR v Australia
Wednesday 9 July 2008 (Kick-Off Time 7:40pm)
Olympic Stadium, Tianjin, China

Matildas Squad for China Tour 3-11 July 2008

Melissa BARBIERI (Melbourne), Victoria BALOMENOS (Adelaide), Ellen BEAUMONT (Brisbane), Joanne BURGESS (Brisbane), Kim CARROLL (Brisbane), Amy CHAPMAN (Canberra), Lauren COLTHORPE (Brisbane), Leena KHAMIS (Sydney), Kate MCSHEA (Brisbane), Caitlin MUNOZ (Canberra), Amber NEILSON (Newcastle), Clare POLKINGHORNE (Brisbane), Karla REUTER (Brisbane), Renee ROLLASON (Sydney), Kyah SIMON (Sydney), Brooke SPENCE (Brisbane), Servet UZUNLAR (Sydney) and Lydia WILLIAMS (Canberra).