Western United was at the forefront of the Young Matildas’ second game at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning.
All four of United’s players in the squad featured in the starting line-up as Australia took on Mexico in Bogota.
Avaani Prakash’s impressive substitute cameo in the tournament opener earned her a promotion to the starting XI while Chloe Lincoln, Sasha Grove and Kahli Johnson each kept their places.
And after that impressive display, Prakash was involved in the early action as she continually sought possession in midfield and tired to send the team forward in possession.
Despite an early scare, Lincoln was settled in goal and Grove was a particularly key part of the defence, reading the game expertly to intercept attacks and guard against crosses towards her side of the pitch.
Grove had actually switched from right-back in the first game to the left-hand side against Mexico and was arguably Australia’s best player across the 90 minutes.
Her drive and energy down the flank was relentless both in attack and defence, repeatedly standing up to her opponents and looking to beat players and create chances.
Grove linked up with Johnson on numerous occasions with the winger appearing as the Young Matildas’ most lively attacking threat throughout most of the first half.
Johnson played a part in one of the game’s key moments when she shook away a defender and delivered a cross into the box which struck the arm of a Mexico defender.
After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded and Johnson assumed responsibility, but unfortunately couldn’t steer her effort on target.
The Young Matildas worked hard on both sides of the ball but struggled for fluidity going forward and Mexico maximised their opportunity in the game, scoring a fortunate opener as Fatima Servin’s outstretched effort looped over Lincoln and over the line via the post.
Australia then had to chase the game and the result was put to bed in injury time when Alejandra Lomeli Franco converted following a free-kick.
While a disappointing result, it by no means rules the Young Matildas out of the knockout stages with one more game to come against Cameroon on Saturday morning.
A victory in that clash would give Australia a big chance of progressing to the Round of 16, with some results needing to go their way in order to advance as one of the best third-place finishers.
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