Three current Sky Blues and numerous former starred for the Young Matildas in their Group Stage opener against Colombia at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
In a tight contest in front of a vocal Colombian crowd, the CommBank Young Matildas have fallen to the hosts 2-0 at the Estadio El Campín in Bogota in their opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™.
Second half goals from Yunaira Lopez and Linda Caicedo were enough for Las Cafeteras to see off the challenge of the Australians on Saturday night (local).
Australia’s starting line-up saw five players make their FIFA tournament debuts including Sydney FC’s Indiana Dos Santos, who joined her older sister Jyanya in making history as the first Australian sisters to start together in a FIFA tournament.
In an evenly matched fixture, the two sides traded blows in the opening 45 minutes, but neither was able to trouble the scoreboard.
Following the restart, it was Colombia who was to break the deadlock almost on the hour mark.
The ball was initially cleared after a corner, but it fell to the feet of Lopez, who lashed it home on the half-volley in spectacular fashion to send the 32,000 strong home crowd into raptures.
Australia thought they equalised soon after. Avaani Prakash, who came on for Alicia Woods, did well to ride through a challenge and poke a ball through to Indiana Dos Santos. Dos Santos made no mistake from close range. However, after a video review, the goal was overturned after it was adjudged that a foul was committed in the build-up.
It was only minutes later that captain Caicedo found the second goal for the opposition. From a right-sided cross, the 19-year-old was there to finish in the middle of the penalty box.
Despite a late push from Australia, the score would remain 2-0 in Colombia’s favour.
Attention for the squad turns to Tuesday’s clash with Mexico at the Estadio El Campín in a vital fixture for both sides as they look to claim their first victory of the tournament.
All Australia’s match action at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Colombia 2024™ is available live and free on 10 Play and FIFA+.
From a Sydney FC perspective, Indi Dos Santos started and Shay Hollman came off the bench while Maddie Caspers and Tahlia Franco were unused substitutes.
Special mention must also go to Amber Luchtmeijer who made her professional debut in a World Cup after she was called up following amazing performances in the NPL NSW Women’s. She has signed at Sydney FC for the upcoming season.
Australia Line Up: 1. Chloe LINCOLN (gk), 3. Naomi CHINNAMA, 5. Jessika NASH (c), 6. Zara KRUGER (19. Shay HOLLMAN 63’), 7. Jynaya DOS SANTOS (13. Peta TRIMIS 62’), 8. Sasha GROVE, 10. Indiana DOS SANTOS, 11. Kahli JOHNSON (4. Lara GOOCH 84’), 14. Alicia WOODS (16. Avaani PRAKASH 68’),15. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 20. Tanaye MORRIS (21. Amber LUCHTMEIJER 63’)
Subs not used: 2. Ella BUCHANAN, 9. Ella O’GRADY, 12. Tahlia FRANCO (gk), 17. Maddie CASPERS, 18. Grace WILSON (gk)
Next Match
Mexico v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 3 September 2024 / Wednesday, 4 September 2024 (AUS)
Time: 5.00pm (local) / 8.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estadio El Campín, Bogotá, Colombia
Broadcast: 10 Play and FIFA+
