Late goals shouldn't cover up Matildas issue as returning star shines

Joshua Thomas

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Late goals shouldn't cover up Matildas issue as returning star shines image

The Matildas dug deep to defeat New Zealand 2-1 on Friday night in a match that looked set to frustrate.

Australia dominated the stats but couldn't find the back of the net until injury-time. 

While the two late goals relieved some of the pressure, a few key questions remain of the side moving forward. 

Here’s what we learned from the game…

Late goals shouldn't cover up Matildas issue

Until the 94th minute, it looked like the Matildas were going to suffer consecutive 1-0 defeats. 

After taking 38 shots to New Zealand's three, the ultimate 2-1 win shouldn't deflect from the side's lingering issues in front of goal. 

Decision making in the final third and general finishing remains a real issue for a side that boasts so much attacking talent. 

The Matildas, to their credit, did create plenty of chances and that was their coach's focus after the game. 

"I had a smile on my face the whole game because of the way we played," Tony Gustavsson told Network 10 post-match. 

"I think we played phenomenal football tonight, we had that belief all the way through. We created a lot of chances, yes we didn't convert, but we played phenomenal." 

Playing well and scoring goals are two different things, however, and the Matildas need to find a way to do both sooner rather than later. 

Returning Gorry proves key for Matildas

Despite being 788 days since her last start for the Matildas, Katrina Gorry looked like she never left upon her return on Friday.

Playing as a number six, the midfielder brought some much-needed steel and composure in the middle of the park.

Despite playing in a less familiar role, she provided energy and impetus where the Matildas had previously struggled for inspiration.

"It was a surprise to me. I haven't played much of a six role, but for me it was about getting on the ball, finding the pockets and playing the give and gos," Gorry told Network 10 post-match. 

"The more I could get on the ball, the more comfortable I felt on the ball." 

Having a player like Gorry pulling the strings looks like it could be the key to unlocking this side’s full potential ahead of a massive 18 months.

New Zealand's Puskas contender

After surviving a barrage of Matildas attacks in the first half, New Zealand somehow opened the scoring in the 35th minute. 

Anna Green made the most of a rare foray forward to volley home from a ridiculous angle. 

Some will say it was a cross, some will say it was a shot - either way it was a stunning goal that deserves plenty of attention. 

Joshua Thomas

Joshua Thomas Photo

Josh has been covering sport for nearly a decade now having fallen in love with football at a young age. A UTS graduate, Josh has previously worked for GOAL and now covers football closely for The Sporting News.