It’s not the biggest prize on offer in women’s football this year, but the Nations Cup success is the perfect start to 2023 for Matildas.
Australia clinched the four-team tournament in Newcastle on Wednesday night by defeating Jamaica 3-0.
It was Matildas’ third victory in three Nations Cup matches, and their seventh successive victory in a positive sign for the Australians ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off in July.
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Katrina Gouri’s impressive goal in the first half was complemented by two goals in the second half from substitute Alex Chidiac and Arsenal star Caitlin Forward.
“We wanted to come out strong tonight and finish this tournament and that’s exactly what we did.” Juri told Network 10.
“Three (wins) out of three (games), I think we’re very happy to start 2023 (this way).”
Gorey said she enjoyed the physical battle against a Jamaican team that showed a lot of grit and determination, especially in the first half.
“It was definitely physical, but we love it. That’s all we’re about,” she said.
“Playing in midfield when it’s a physical game is always fun
“We knew this was going to happen but we came back strong.”
Matilda took the lead in the 28th minute through Gorrie’s amazing shot.
Fueled by a short pass from Foord, Gorey let her fly in from a long, first-time shot with the outside of her right.
The curling effort was too good for England-born Jamaican goalkeeper, Becky Spencer.
Otherwise, the Matildas lacked finesse and intensity in the opening segment, and they needed a good save from goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in first-half stoppage time to prevent Jamaica leveling through striker Kayla McKenna.
However, the hosts lifted it up in the second half to secure their third victory in the championship with two more goals.
Substitute Alex Chidiac doubled the Matildas’ lead on 56 minutes, before Arsenal star Forward ensured there was no way for the Jamaicans to come back with a fine strike from distance 11 minutes later.
Goalkeeper Arnold, who was later named player of the tournament, produced another great save in the dying stages to deny Jamaican Jody Brown.
The only worrying aspect of the night was the strike that forced veteran Matildas defender Claire Polkenhorn not to return after the half-time break.
In Wednesday’s early match, Spain defeated tournament runners-up Czechia 3-0.
