It was a hot and humid evening in Tokyo for the Matildas as their Tokyo Olympic campaign got off to a winning start beating the Football Ferns 2-1 in the Japanese capital.
The Aussies maintained their impressive 27-year unbeaten run against the Kiwis.
All the early pressure came from the Matildas, Kyah Simon and Emily van Egmond providing some nice touches in the opening 15 minutes.
Then in the 20th minute a beautiful deft touch from Sam Kerr found Tamika Yallop, who found the back of the net to take the Matildas 1-0 up.
In the 33rd minute a superb Steph Catley corner resulted in a wonderful, glancing header from Kerr to end her goal drought against New Zealand.
New Zealand were second best throughout but pulled one back in stoppage time when Gabi Rennie scored with a glancing header past Lydia Williams.
The Matildas had three WA-born players in the team - goalscorer Kerr, goalkeeper Williams and midfielder Aivi Luik.
Read the full article at the Australian Olympic Team
Filed Under: Olympics 2020