In their first match on home soil since the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Matildas have beaten Iran in an Olympic qualifier in Perth.
With a 2-0 scoreline, the Matildas played in front of a sold out crowd of 18,798 fans on Thursday night.
National favourite Ellie Carpenter scored the opening goal in the 19th minute, before captain Sam Kerr scored the team’s second goal in the 78th minute, coming on from the bench.
It was particularly special for the Perth local, Kerr, as she played in front of her home crowd. It was the first of three Perth-based Olympic qualifiers.
Mary Fowler, Steph Cately and Kerr were all brought onto the field in a triple substitution in the 65th minute.
Coach Tony Gustavsson indicated that Fowler was the best player of the night, noting that she played as a wide forward, in a similar way she has been utilised by Manchester City.
‘They’ve used Mary Fowler as a wide forward this season, and she has been outstanding in the league,’ Gustavsson said after the game.
‘We said, ‘let’s try her in our environment as well’ and Mary’s performance in those minutes on the left side was just mind-blowingly good.”
‘I think she was our best, which means we have another tool now in the wide areas, which is perfect for us.’
Favourites from the World Cup including Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso did not play.
On Sunday night, the Matildas take on the Philippines in Perth. Gustavsson said to expect some new faces in the line up and rotations for a range of reasons.
Pior to the start of the Olympic qualifiers, Gustavsson was asked about whether he was considering filling the vacant coaching role for the US national team. He told journalists a key determinant of him remaining with the Matildas was seeing increased investement in Australia’s national team.
“Look at what we’ve done, and I’ve said that what we did in the World Cup was not the end of something, it was the start of something. But I was also clear then, I want to be clear now: I want to see investment for me to be motivated to stay as well. We can’t be complacent and think we’re done now. This is the start and the platform, and now I want to see investment.”