The Matilda onFrance won 1-0 in the last warm-up game before the tournament World Cupbut Friday night’s win was marred by a serious injury.
Less than a week after Australia’s tournament opener against the Republic of Ireland, which will be played at Sydney Olympic Park next Thursday night, midfielder Tameka Yallop limped off the field and injured her knee at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Yallop sprained his left leg while competing for the ball in the second half, before leaving the field and wrapping his knee in ice.
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The French also suffered an injury when defender Selma Bacha sprained her left leg while fighting for the ball in the second half.
As Bacha was stretchered off the field, Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter – who plays with Bacha at Olympique Lyonnais – was in tears.
The Matildas scored the only goal of the game through young gun Mary Fowler, who was substituted and finished well in the 66th minute.
A cross was started by Matildas player Clare Hunt and she found Hayley Raso on the right wing, the player running and firing the ball to Fowler, who was hiding just outside the six yard box.
Fowler won the ball and flicked it past the French goalkeeper, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
A crowd of 50,629 – the largest ever for an Australian women’s football match – packed into Marvel Stadium to see Sam Kerr and his teammates take on France.
“I already knew all about these girls, but it’s good to show it in front of a big crowd and get the crowd behind us next week,” Kerr told Network 10 after the game.
Catley, the French star clashes
“These girls every week – we play together, it’s an amazing team, it’s an amazing feeling and I’m very excited for next week.”
While a record-breaking crowd filled Marvel Stadium on Friday night, the crowd set to fill Accor Stadium next Thursday night will be even bigger.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time and it’s a dream come true to bring the World Cup to (Australia),” said Kerr, who was substituted about 60 minutes into Friday night’s game.
“This crowd has been amazing and that’s why we do this – for the fans.
“It’s been an amazing week and hopefully (it’s) an unbelievable month to come.”
The Matildas are in a group with the Republic of Ireland, Canada and Nigeria at the World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
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