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Monday 23 July 2007

Amy Chapman debuts for Matildas


MATILDAS SECURE SECOND WIN OVER NEW ZEALAND

The Matildas defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a practice match played in Coffs Harbour today to complete a clean sweep of the two-match series as both teams continue preparations for September’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.


The only goal of the match came after 24 minutes when speedy striker Lisa DeVanna outpaced the defence following a long-ball from goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.Australian coach Tom Sermanni fielded an experimental line-up with the World Cup squad to be selected next month.


None of the starting players from Thursday’s 3-0 win featured in the match and there were three Australian debutants in Melbourne-based defender Louisa Bisbi, Brisbane defender Ellen Beaumont and ACT midfielder Amy Chapman.


Barbieri was rarely tested in the Australian goal with Australia coming closest to scoring in the second half when Kate Gill outpaced the defence but her lofted shot over the advancing goalkeeper narrowly cleared the crossbar.


The Matildas will return to Coffs Harbour next month when they wrap up their Olympic qualification match schedule against Chinese Taipei on Sunday 12 following the penultimate group match in Hong Kong on Sunday 4 August.The 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature 16 nations and will be held in the cities of Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin and Wuhan, September 10-30.

Australia will open their campaign at the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Ghana on September 12 in Hangzhou. The Matildas will then meet world number four ranked team Norway on September 15 in the same city, before the final group match against Canada on September 19 in Chengdu.


Match Details:Australia 1 (Lisa DeVanna 24’)New Zealand 0


Australia line-up: Melissa Barbieri (GK); Clare Polkinghorne, Kim Carroll, Louisa Bisbi, Karla Reuter (Amy Chapman 54’), Ellen Beaumont, Amber Neilson, Lauren Colthorpe, Joanne Burgess (Lana Harch 80’), Lisa DeVanna, Kate Gill

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amy Chapman is a good example of what can be achieved if you really want it. She has recovered from 2 knee reconstructions to reach this milestone.

Eamonn said...

ouch, actually makes you realise what some people have to go through just to play.

Good luck to Amy, lets hope she makes it. I reckon she has a good chance. I saw her play recently and while she may not make the starting eleven yet, a squad place could be hers.