Two long Matildas streaks ended as the national team looked to the future during their win over Taiwan on Wednesday night.
The Matildas home sell-out streak ended at 16 games but they still drew 26,795 fans to AAMI Park who cheered raucously during a lively but at times frustrating 3-1 win.
Sharn Freier of the Matildas celebrates a goal against Taiwan.Credit: Getty Images
Taiwan’s goal, via Chen Jin-Wen, was historic as they hadn’t scored at Australia since 2007 and the Matildas hadn’t conceded a goal in Melbourne dating back to 2016 - a streak of six games that included the unforgettable 4-0 win over Canada to keep the FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign alive in 2023.
In a nod to the future, Matildas coach Tom Sermanni started Sharn Freier, Charlotte Grant and Natasha Prior who all have the potential to be major contributors in the coming years while Bryleeh Henry bounced off the bench in the second half and made a difference.
In fact Prior, Freier and Henry all scored in what would be the least experienced players to score recently for the Matildas. All three scored their first goals for the national team.
“I think it’s very important to have people who are multiple goalscorers, so I hope it continues,” Sermanni said.
“Tash’s goal and Bryleeh’s goal were both very well taken. The more people we can get on the scoresheet, the better.”
You can expect more of the same for game two between the teams in Geelong on Saturday night with Sermanni determined to give the next generation of players time to shine while also having any available veterans stick around and lead the transition.
One heartbreaking moment was the loss of midfielder Chloe Logarzo following a head clash at the half-hour mark.
It was Logarzo’s first start for the Matildas since 2021 and she was instrumental in much of their good work as she linked up defence and attack.
But it appeared more precautionary then serious, so hopefully Logarzo can get another chance to shine in Geelong.