Reigning Olympic gold medalists Canada pulled off a comeback win over Australia from 2-1 down on Saturday ahead of the Summer Games.
Top scorers: Freier23′; Prince 41′, Viens 85′
The last time these two met, the Matildas humiliated the Canadians 4-0 at home during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
However, this match was a slow-paced affair in Marbella, Spain, as these two teams played around with new tactics on the field to see what works ahead of Paris 2024.
Instead of quick runs and clever set pieces, goalkeeping errors led to the goals in this clash.
Australia opened the scoring when Sharn Freier was left completely alone in the box and sent the ball under the legs of Kailen Sheridan, who deflected awkwardly into the net.
Just before the break, a soft cross from Cloe Lacasse was deflected in by Mackenzie Arnold and Nichelle Prince took advantage to make it 1-1.
It seemed like nothing could separate the two teams in the second half, although Canada finished the game with a staggering 19 shots to Australia’s one.
They eventually found the goal to complete the comeback when substitutes Gabrielle Carle and Evelyne Viens combined in the box and the ball went into the far corner.
Canada will play in Group A alongside France, Colombia and New Zealand. Australia, meanwhile, is in Group B with the United States, Germany and Zambia.
