Matildas continue impressive run of victories to claim trophy ahead of World Cup
A 3-0 victory over Jamaica made it seven straight victories for the Matildas as they clinched the Cup of Nations.
It signals an excellent run for the Australian side ahead of what is the most monumental year for women’s football.
It was their third win from three at the Cup of Nations held as a warm-up competition ahead of the major tournament in July.
But the Australian side certainly didn’t treat it as a tester - proving they are world contenders with convincing wins over the Czech Republic, Spain, and Jamaica.
#CupOfNations 𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓼 once again! 🏆🇦🇺#WeAreMatildas pic.twitter.com/KIbnuzpS97
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 22, 2023
Their 3-0 win to secure the Cup of Nations came courtesy of a spectacular first-half strike from Katrina Gorry and second-half goals from Alex Chidiac and Caitlin Foord.
Advert
The players and coach Tony Gustavsson certainly felt they put out a warning ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Gorry told Network 10: “We wanted to come out strong tonight and finish this tournament off and that's exactly what we did.
"Three (wins) from three (matches), I think we're pretty happy with to start off 2023 (that way)."
It was a physical game between the Matildas and the Jamaican side, however, according to Gorry that’s exactly how Australia likes it.
Post AND IN from @CaitlinFoord 💥🔥
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 22, 2023
🎥: @10FootballAU #AUSvJAM #WeAreMatildas #CupOfNations pic.twitter.com/kBR2X6v6nl
She continued: “It was definitely physical, but we love that. That's what we're all about.
"Playing in the midfield when it's a physical game, it's always enjoyable
"We knew that was going to happen but we came back pretty strong."
And while the team came away with a perfect record from the tournament head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted it wasn’t the most impressive performance from the team.
Mini with ANOTHER stunner 😍
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) February 22, 2023
🎥: @10FootballAU #AUSvJAM @KatrinaGorry #WeAreMatildas #CupOfNations pic.twitter.com/nOCIFlcWcV
However, he says they ‘grinded through’ and that’s exactly what winning a major tournament is about.
He said: “It wasn't a brilliant game tonight.
"It wasn't a brilliant first half against Czech Republic, it wasn't a brilliant second half against Spain, but tournament football is about finding a way to win, grinding through, believing in what you're doing."
The Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20 and will run across Australia and New Zealand until August 20.
Topics: Australia, Womens Football
Jayden Collins