Mary Fowler struck in the 88th minute to seal a thrilling 2-1 victory for the Matildas over Japan in front of a sold-out Optus Stadium on Saturday night, ending a frustrating three-match winless run for the Australian women's national football team and providing a much-needed lift ahead of next year's Asian Cup campaign.
The 21-year-old Manchester City forward latched onto a precise through-ball from Caitlin Foord, rounded Japanese goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita and slotted home from a tight angle to send the crowd of 58,400 into raptures. It was Fowler's eighth international goal and arguably her most important since the home World Cup, coming against a Japan side that had dominated possession for long stretches.
A measured opening half
Japan, semifinalists at the most recent World Cup, controlled the early exchanges and went ahead in the 27th minute through a clinical Riko Ueki finish from the edge of the box. Australia struggled to find rhythm against Japan's high press, with new Matildas coach Joe Montemurro making tactical adjustments at halftime that paid almost immediate dividends.
Foord equalised in the 54th minute, converting a corner from Katrina Gorry with a powerful near-post header. The goal sparked a sustained period of Australian pressure, with debutant midfielder Daniela Galic — playing in just her second senior international — impressing with her composure on the ball.
Mary Fowler celebrates the winner that ended Australia's recent slump. Credit: Sydney Daily News
Montemurro's verdict
Speaking after the match, Montemurro said the result was 'exactly the response' he had asked for from his squad. 'We've spoken a lot about resilience in this group, about being prepared to suffer and still find a way,' he said. 'Tonight the players showed that. We're not the finished product, not even close, but the foundations are there.'
The Italian-Australian coach, who replaced Tony Gustavsson earlier this year, has been working to reintegrate senior players while blooding younger talent. Captain Steph Catley said the win would 'do wonders' for the squad's confidence. 'Belief is everything in football, and we've been a bit short on that recently,' Catley told reporters. 'A result like this, against a side as good as Japan, reminds us what we're capable of.'
Long-time Matildas supporter Renee O'Sullivan, who travelled from Adelaide for the fixture, captured the mood in the stands. 'You forget how loud Australian football crowds can be until you're in one,' she said. 'When Fowler scored, you couldn't hear yourself think. That's why we keep coming back.' Australia next plays the United States in a friendly double-header in February before the Asian Cup begins in March.