Sam Kerr header delivers Matildas win over Philippines in Women’s Asian Cup opener
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<ul><li><p>Australia defeat Philippines 1-0 in first Group A match in Perth</p></li><li><p>Captain scores in 14th minute as hosts dominate possession</p></li></ul><p>The Matildas’ Asian Cup campaign is off to an ideal, if rusty, start with a 1-0 defeat of the Philippines in their first group-stage match in Perth on Sunday afternoon.</p><p>A goal from captain Sam Kerr in the first half saw the hosts secure their first p
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Sam Kerr header delivers Matildas win over Philippines in Women’s Asian Cup opener Australia defeat Philippines 1-0 in first Group A match in Perth Captain scores in 14th minute as hosts dominate possession The Matildas’ Asian Cup campaign is off to an ideal, if rusty, start with a 1-0 defeat of the Philippines in their first group-stage match in Perth on Sunday afternoon. A goal from captain Sam Kerr in the first half saw the hosts secure their first points of the tournament in front of 44,379 people at Perth Stadium, breaking the record for the highest-attended Asian Cup match on its very first day. Having gathered in camp all together just a week ago, signs of rustiness were evident throughout the game as the Matildas struggled to break down a tightly packed Philippines defence. It took several minutes for the ball to find Australia’s front three of Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Hayley Raso, with Mark Torcaso’s side diligently protecting their wide flanks and double-teaming both of Australia’s wingers. Ellie Carpenter and Raso crashed into each other at one point as the team tried to find their rhythm. The Philippines’ absorption of pressure almost sprung a counterattack in just the second minute after an uncharacteristically loose pass from Carpenter found the feet of Philippines forward Sara Eggesvik, who attempted a long-range shot over sun-drenched goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, but the 21-year-old caught comfortably. That was one of the only involvements for the Brisbane Roar shot-stopper, who earned a surprise call-up and start after third-choice goalkeeper Jada Whyman withdrew from the squad on the morning of the match, with Mackenzie Arnold still seemingly not recovered from a mystery niggle. Perth-born Kerr led the side out in front of her home town fans for the first time since November 2023, in what was her last appearance for the Matildas before sustaining the ACL injury that kept her out of football for almost two years. In the 13th minute, Kerr gave the crowd...
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