The Matildas thrashed Uzbekistan 10-0 in the second leg of their Olympic qualifying match for Paris 2024. It was an absolute blowout. The squad was ahead 5-0 in the 31st minute, and Tony Gustavsson’s load-managing substitutions soon before halftime proved difficult since his guys were so flexible.
The hosts had marched in Tashkent four days earlier, having won 3-0 overall. The Matildas, who have transcended athletics to become cultural icons, celebrated yet another achievement with a record-breaking twelve sellout home audience that included Cathy Freeman. The pregame excitement was evident.
On Saturday, the first seventy-three minutes were dreary, but Gustavsson believed his team would rally and win. After 34 seconds, Dilrabo Asadova misplayed a ball from Kaitlyn Torpey, allowing Sweden to take the lead.
Michelle Heyman straightened up and continued. At 2,183 days, a player who hadn’t worn green and gold since the 2018 Algarve Cup got off to an incredible start.
She had a silly smile before the game, and eleven minutes in, she scored three goals. Her highlights were racing her opponent to a low Fowler ball in the ninth minute, beating Caitlin Foord to a Steph Catley cross in the eighth, and deflecting a Mary Fowler pass in the fourth minute using Torpey’s darting pace.
In the first half, Heyman played at No. 9 like an international forward following Sam Kerr’s ACL injury. Her objectives were modest, but they called for fast thinking, astute planning, and a competitive drive uncommon in most individuals. After the team’s most recent trip to Paris, the 35-year-old got into a fight. Torpey retreated once again during first-half stoppage time, which boosted her appeal and allowed her to score her fourth goal.
Because of the skill disparity between the two nations, Heyman and Torpey might not have taken any lessons from their goals and assists in the 22nd minute. Which side—Japan or Spain—will drop more games following goals from Raso, Sayer, and Fowler? What message is this beating trying to tell us? Sayer took the seats of Emily van Egmond, Tameka Yallop, and Raso during halftime, replacing Gustavsson, who seemed to be enjoying the game.
Wednesday gave Heyman and Torpey possibilities all around the world, beginning in Mexico in April. Paris might be the target of an attack at any moment.
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