- Nathan Cleary has sent a message to the Matildas
- Australia defeated Zambia 6-5 on Monday morning
- It means that his Olympic dream is still alive.
Nathan Cleary joined the many Matildas fans who rose early to cheer on the team in France.
And after a nervy 90 minutes, Mary Fowler’s side ensured Australia fans did not start the day on a downer by securing a shock win over Zambia.
No fewer than 11 goals were scored in the Matildas’ game against their African rivals, and the World Cup semi-finalists went as far as three goals behind in what was shaping up to be a shock result that would all but seal their early elimination.
However, goals from Steph Catley and Michelle Heyman enabled Tony Gustavsson’s side to turn the tide and secure all three points, keeping their Olympic dream alive.
Cleary, who is dating Manchester City star Fowler, tuned into the big game and shared her delight at the result at the end of the match.
Posting a photo of Fowler on her TV screen, Cleary wrote “comeback” with a clapping emoji.
Cleary is no stranger to pulling off spectacular comebacks on the football field and played a pivotal role in helping Penrith to victory in last year’s Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos.
Gustavsson punched the air in delight, but once again his performance was far from convincing.
Nathan Cleary sent a message to Mary Fowler and the Matildas on Monday
Cleary woke up early to watch the Matildas’ Olympics match against Zambia.
Penrith superstar is dating Matildas striker Fowler
But all that mattered after the 3-0 defeat to Germany three nights earlier in Marseille, just down the road on the Côte d’Azur, was the priceless victory.
This still gives the Matildas a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals, but they might still need to pick up a point against the mighty USA team in their final match to secure a place in the last eight.
There is nothing wrong with the collective heart of this team, however, as three times in the match they faced a two-goal deficit, but they simply did not give up.
But there were also tears for the Zambian team, which had been inspired by its two US-based superstars, Banda and Racheal Kundananji (the world’s most expensive player), who scored twice, but were still denied their first Olympic victory.
