After a scoreless first half, Rachel Lowe opened the scoring in the 55th minute, smashing the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Amy Sayer then doubled Australia’s lead in the 77th minute, finishing from close range after Mary Fowler’s shot was saved.

Thailand forward Nutwadee Pram-Nak ensured a nervous finish when she slotted the ball past Annalee Grove with nine minutes left, but the Young Matildas were able to hang on for the win.

For the Young Matildas, midfielders Amy Sayer and Rachel Lowe were excellent.

Sayer seemed to be everywhere in midfield, dropping back to shield the defence, but also getting forward and having several shots on goal.

Lowe tended to drift out to the right wing in the first half, combining well with Wanderers teammate Susan Phonsongkham.

In the second half, Lowe stayed in central areas and Princess Ibini started to drift out to the right wing.

It was from one of these runs that the Young Matildas took the lead. Ibini beat a defender near the corner flag, and when her cross wasn’t properly cleared Lowe took advantage to open the scoring.

Young Matildas coach Gary van Egmond also used his substitutes to good effect, with Mary Fowler catching the eye.

She was involved in several goalscoring opportunities, including the shot which led to Australia’s second goal.

Julia Vignes was another substitute who was impressive in the closing stages.

She made a number of overlapping runs from her right-back position, as well as making two crucial interventions in stoppage time to halt promising Thai attacks.

Australia attacked until the final whistle, and this approach contributed to Thailand’s red card, with defender Thanchanok Ngamkhana shown a second yellow card after fouling Sofia Sakalis.

To their credit, Thailand was well organised, blocking several shots and making it difficult for the Young Matildas to find space.

When they won possession, they also had the pace to cause some problems of their own on the counter.

Nutwadee Pram-Nak stood out for the away side, hitting the post with an early free kick, and deserved her goal.

Thai goalkeeper Wararat Nanongtum also put in a good performance, making several saves.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Australia 2 (Lowe 55’, Sayer 77’)

Thailand 1 (Pram-Nak 81’)