- The Matildas were defeated 2-1 by Canada
- The team has growing injury concerns ahead of the Games
- Star player Caitlin Foord has withdrawn after a quadriceps problem
A depleted Matildas team was defeated 2-1 by Canada in their final game before the Paris Olympics.
Sharn Freier scored an early goal for Australia but reigning Olympic champions Canada soon equalised and a late goal from Evelyne Viens proved the winner in Marbella, Spain on Saturday.
Star player Caitlin Foord left the game late after feeling tightness in her quadriceps during her warm-up and was replaced in the starting lineup by Freier.
She was one of several members of the squad deemed unavailable for the match as the Matildas focus on their Olympic campaign which begins on July 25.
Foord was seen in the stands during the match with her leg tied up.
Kaitlyn Torpey and Steph Catley were ruled out earlier in the week with lower leg injuries but are on track to rejoin the squad in training ahead of the opening game against Germany.
Goalkeeper Teagan Micah and midfielder Tameka Yallop have also been ruled out as a precaution.
Coach Tony Gustavsson had warned about Canada’s high press and that soon became apparent when goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was forced to make a great save from Adriana Leon.
Star Caitlin Foord (pictured right) left the match late after feeling tightness in her quad during her warm-up, and was later seen with her leg strapped up.
The Matildas team fell 2-1 to Canada in their last match before the Paris Olympics
However, the Matildas struck first after Mary Fowler found space in Canada’s half and played a pinpoint ball to Freier, who outpaced a defender and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
Canada responded late in the half after Cloe Lacasse’s cross proved difficult for Arnold, opening the door for Nichelle Prince to score.
Left-back Clare Wheeler gave Australia hope of restoring the lead just before half-time but her pass in front of goal failed to meet Ellie Carpenter’s run towards the far post.
Gustavsson made five substitutions at half-time: Charli Grant, Clare Polkinghorne, Emily van Egmond, Michelle Heyman and Courtney Nevin replaced Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine.
Polkinghorne’s experience was on display when she made a vital block on a Jordyn Huitema shot just over 10 minutes into the first half.
Viens finally made the difference after a ball from Huitema found her inside the box and she was able to finish decisively, giving Canada the lead for the first time in the 85th minute.
