Belief and some Mary magic see Matildas triumph over Sth Korea

A dose of Mary Fowler magic has led the Matildas to back-to-back victories over the Korea Republic with an assured two-nil victory in front of a record attendance in Newcastle on Monday night.

The bumper crowd of 28,019, which smashed the previous attendance record for a Matildas game at McDonald Jones Stadium, enjoyed another Matildas victory that was lit up by Fowler’s form.

It was a fine likely farewell for interim* coach Tom Sermanni. A permanent coach, likely to be Australian Joe Montemurro – currently with French side Lyon – should be in the hot seat for the next Matildas encounter against Argentina in Melbourne at the end of May.

Whoever it is will inherit a team that has reclaimed some confidence ahead of the home Asian Cup next year, with dual victories and back-to-back clean sheets* after struggling defensively for far too long.

There will be tougher opponents to face but with Sam Kerr to return and Fowler continuing to blossom, the Matildas’ potency* in attack remains.

In Fowler’s 16th national team strike and without peer* on the pitch, the midfield schemer* controlled a beautifully timed Emily van Egmond through ball with the softest of touches and under pressure from two Korean defenders, was able to slot it home superbly on an angle from 12 yards out.

Fellow attacking star Caitlin Foord made a huge impact after coming on for Holly McNamara at halftime. She created a golden chance immediately after entering the fray*, with a sharp turn and shot from inside the box that went straight at the keeper.

Another slick swivel not long after put Tameka Yallop free down the right for a half chance and she was also at the centre of the Matildas' second goal.

Unsurprisingly it was Fowler who launched the move, toying with a couple of Korean defenders down the left before crossing for Foord, who somehow failed to score but created a six-yard box scramble.

Kaitlin Torpey eventually helped force Australia’s second with a strike that deflected in off Korean defender Lim Seon-joo for her second own goal in as many games.

FRIENDLY FIRE
The first half for Australia was marred by an unfortunate collision between Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop. Kennedy’s cheekbone blew up like a balloon after colliding with Yallop’s knee, prompting the Man City defender to inspect the damage herself on the stadium big screen. Considering her issues with knee problems in the past, Yallop’s injury prompted some panic but she was able to play on before both veterans were substituted early in the second half.

MIGHTY MICAH
In the absence of the Matildas “minister of defence” Mackenzie Arnold, back-up goalkeeper Teagan Micah shone across both clashes against Korea. The Liverpool custodian* made an outstanding late save in the first friendly to preserve Australia’s lead and was assured all night in the second game for back to back clean sheets.

WELCOME RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
Following the opening 1-0 win over the South Koreans on Friday night at Allianz Stadium, Sermanni said the victory – which was secured by the first of Seon-joo’s own goals in the 54th minute – boosted the mood and morale* in the Matildas camp ahead of the Newcastle friendly.

“(Winning) changes the mood (and) it changes the confidence,” Sermanni said. “Getting out there and getting the win was really important, and hopefully that will start to build … more momentum heading into the Asian Cup.”

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GLOSSARY

• interim: temporary, provisional, fill-in
• clean sheets: when a team or goalkeeper prevents the opposing side from scoring
• potency: strength, power, might, force
• peer: person with the same position, rank, class or level as another
• schemer: someone who comes up with clever plans and moves to defeat others
• fray: the fight, the action, the chaos
• custodian: caretaker, guardian, person responsible for looking after something
• morale: confidence, mood, spirit, state of self-esteem

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QUICK QUIZ

1. What was the final score in Newcastle on Monday night?
2. Who is the Matildas’ interim coach and who is tipped to replace him?
3. Whose unfortunate own goal delivered the Matildas the win in Sydney last Friday?
4. Which two Matildas collided?
5. Which player scored the opening goal for Australia?

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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. News: condensed
Identify the most important pieces of information in this article and write a condensed version of it using 50 words or less.

Draw a picture or diagram to support your condensed news story.

Time: allow 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science

2. Extension
Compare your condensed news story with a classmate. Did you both include the same information or are your stories quite different? Discuss your choices and then work together to create a final condensed version of the story that you both agree tells the important parts that a reader would need or want to know.

Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English

VCOP ACTIVITY
Imaginative dialogue
Imagine you were there playing for the Matildas in Newcastle on Monday night.

Create a conversation between two players during a passage of play mentioned in the article – you may need or want to include yourself as one of the players. Don’t forget to try to use facts and details from the article to help make your dialogue as realistic as possible.

Go through your writing and highlight any punctuation you have used in green. Make sure you carefully check the punctuation used for the dialogue and ensure you have opened and closed the speaking in the correct places.