'Mature' Australia on verge of Olympic berth after Uzbek win

English Woman's Journal - 'Mature' Australia on verge of Olympic berth after Uzbek win

SPORTS 25.02.2024

'Mature' Australia on verge of Olympic berth after Uzbek win / Photo: Patrick Hamilton - AFP

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson praised a "mature" performance by the Matildas after they all-but sealed a place at the Paris Olympics, but said they must be more ruthless in front of goal.

Change text size:

The Australians scored three late goals to down Uzbekistan 3-0 in Tashkent on Saturday in their Asian Olympic qualifying playoff clash ahead of a return leg in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Matildas, missing injured star striker Sam Kerr, wasted a host of chances before veteran Michelle Heyman, Manchester City's Mary Fowler and Arsenal stalwart Caitlin Foord pounced in the second half.

"We didn't panic and get frustrated from not scoring in the first half," said Gustavsson, who called it a "mature performance".

"But we left way too many goals on the table. Our conversion rate must have been really bad. We could have scored, we left a lot of goals out there.

"That needs to be better on Wednesday."

Heyman's 21st international goal was a special moment for the 35-year-old, who was recalled for her first appearance since 2018 and scored for the first time since the Rio Olympics in 2016.

"Back playing for my country, to come on and score a goal, it's a dream come true," she said.

In the other Asian play-off, North Korea and Japan drew 0-0 ahead of the return leg in Tokyo.

O.Wood--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - 'Mature' Australia on verge of Olympic berth after Uzbek win