The Matildas marked the beginning of their two-match Argentinean odyssey in scintillating fashion. It was a powerful 2-0 win for Australia at Docklands, proving just how deep and talented the Australian squad really is. Kahli Johnson provided the unforgettable debut, scoring the first goal of her T90 career in the 38th minute. Just minutes later, Kaitlyn Torpey doubled the lead in the 69th minute, despite her goal being obtained through an unintended curled cross. Every win heals, and this victory helps restore the team fighting together against hate. It’s important preparation for the 2026 Asian Cup on home turf.
Tom Sermanni has been overseeing the Matildas’ preparations on an interim basis. He is expected to end his tenure following the second friendly match against Argentina, scheduled for June 2 at Stadium Canberra. Joe Montemurro will take over as full-time coach after this international window. Providing them with their own pay parity, this move breaks ground for the Matildas’ next thrilling chapter.
A Memorable Debut
Kahli Johnson’s debut was clinch-your-pearl, spell-binding, spectacular. She combined on a great play too, heading home a brilliant cross from Charli Grant to give her team the lead. Thinking back to her debut, Johnson said she was shocked and thrilled.
“To be honest, starting was surprising to me. I was just hoping to gain experience and get what I could take out of it (camp),” – Kahli Johnson
The mood at Docklands was understandably electric, with 43,020 rabid fans urging their team on. Johnson described the experience as surreal.
“Finding that out and having that experience to walk out and hearing all of the fans was surreal. It was nothing I could have imagined,” – Kahli Johnson
Solid Performance by the Team
The Matildas fielded a starting line-up with just 438 combined caps, a relatively low number considering the team’s rich history. Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy made up more than half of those caps, with 293 combined appearances between the two. Despite this, the team performed exceptionally well.
Kaitlyn Torpey, who recorded the second goal, recognized that with game time being essential for newcomers.
“I think it’s good for the new girls to get some game time and we need a whole squad ready to play in preparation for the Asian Cup. We’re going to need everyone,” – Kaitlyn Torpey
Torpey opened the scoring with a flukey goal, her cross going in to the top corner of the net. This amazing play capped off the win for Australia!
Looking Ahead
As the Matildas prepare for their next match against Argentina, they are focused on building a cohesive squad ready for competition. The team are sure to work on some coordination and decision making and look to tighten their play as they head toward the Asian Cup.
Tom Sermanni Coaching the Socceroos in 150 games across three different tenures would’ve been monumental. His legacy will continue to be felt, as they move toward a new era of leadership under Joe Montemurro.
