Sam Kerr stars to gives Matildas dream start to kick off Asian Cup
The Matildas have kicked off their Asian Cup campaign in style with Perth’s hometown hero Sam Kerr slotting the winning goal and Mary Fowler getting a late run in front of a record crowd
READING LEVEL: GREEN
The Matildas kicked off their Asian Cup campaign in style, with Perth’s hometown hero Sam Kerr slotting the only goal of the night.
In front of a record-breaking crowd of 44,379 fans at Optus Stadium in the WA capital, the Matildas proved too strong for the Philippines.
While the scoreboard only showed a 1-0 victory, the Tillies dominated possession and will take confidence from Kerr’s full 90 minutes on the field.
Kerr kicked off proceedings inside the opening 15 minutes when she got on the end of a brilliant passage.
A pinpoint cross from Clare Wheeler sailed to the back post where Caitlin Foord rose up above her defender and headed back across goal.
As the ball hung in the air, Kerr danced around one defender and pounced as she slammed her header into the back of the net.
The Matildas continued to attack and had the ball in the back of the net in the 29th minute through Raso, but following VAR* intervention, she was correctly ruled off-side.
Raso continued to be an attacking threat for the Australians, earning a free-kick five minutes before halftime in a dangerous position just outside the Philippines’ penalty area.
Matildas vice-captain Steph Catley struck the free-kick sweetly but it was parried* away for a corner by the Philippines’ USA-born goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.
Australia continued to dominate the contest after halftime but failed to add to its lead despite further chances for Wheeler and Catley.
Star attacking weapon Mary Fowler, who only recently returned to her English club team Manchester City following a knee reconstruction, entered the contest in the 67th minute after being left out of Australia’s starting team.
The Matildas will return to action on Thursday night when they take on Iran.
WATCH THE VIDEO
POLL
GLOSSARY
- VAR: video assistant referee
- parried: held off, deflected, avoided, dodged
EXTRA READING
Kerr’s return to Matildas greatness
History-making 14yo in A-League
Teen Socceroo taking on the world
QUICK QUIZ
- Where did the Matildas play their match against the Philippines on Sunday night?
- Why might the venue have had special meaning for Sam Kerr?
- Who scored the winning and only goal of the match?
- What is the name of this international meet between regional nations?
- Which star Matildas player has only just returned to her English club team after a knee reconstruction?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Follow the five Ws
Write down the key points from this Kids News article in short, succinct sentences:
Who:
What:
When:
Where:
Why:
How:
Possible headline for the article:
Time: allow 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Critical and Creative Thinking
2. Extension
Compare your key points with a classmate. Did you both include the same information or are your five Ws quite different? Discuss your choices and then work together to create your own 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
Girls in sport
There are many sports in which we’re seeing an increase in female participants, including soccer. What sports have you noticed, or maybe joined yourself, where you have seen an increase in the number of girls now playing? How do you feel about this? Why do you feel this way? Do you think it’s a positive shift? Why/why not?
Use your VCOP to express how you feel towards girls taking up more sporting roles. Explain why you feel this way. Use your emotive language to express your point of view.