That late goal for New Zealand simply made the scoreboard look more respectable. The Matildas held on for a valuable and dominant victory that puts them in a good position to progress past the group stage. The damage was done in the first half as Sam Kerr and Tameka Yallop netted to give Australia a comfortable lead they barely looked like giving up.
In truth,they should have had at least two more goals in the second half had it not been for an outstanding performance from New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Naylor. A string of fine saves kept New Zealand’s hopes alive and a late goal from Gabi Rennie gave them a glimmer of a chance to come back but it proved a mere consolation.
Full time:Australia 2-1 New Zealand