Young Matildas start U20 Women’s World Cup with 3-1 win over Costa Rica
Sydney FC's Sarah Hunter scored Australia's first goal at the 2022 Under-20 World Cup. Photo: AAP
The Young Matildas have made an impressive start to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, defeating host nation Costa Rica 3-1 in the capital San Jose.
First-half goals from Sarah Hunter and Bryleeh Henry cancelled out a stunning opener from Costa Rican captain Alexandra Pinell before Kirsty Fenton guaranteed victory with their third goal in the second half.
Costa Rica opened the scoring after 19 minutes when Pinell unleashed a rocket of a free kick from 35 yards out, delighting the 22,506 crowd.
"OH MY GOODNESS! OH MY GOODNESS!" 😱😱😱
An absolute ROCKET from Alexandra Pinell has stunned the #YoungMatildas! 🇨🇷🚀
Watch Australia take on Costa Rica in the U-20 @FIFAWWC LIVE on @SBS and @SBSOnDemand right NOW! ⚽🇦🇺#VamosJuntas
▶: https://t.co/aWaEj7ay5P pic.twitter.com/0AogiPY52M— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) August 11, 2022
The Young Matildas rallied and continued to test Costa Rica’s defence and were rewarded for sustained pressure.
Captain Sheridan Gallagher’s cross from the left was handballed by a Costa Rican defender and Sydney FC’s Hunter stepped up to coolly slot home from the spot.
Congratulations to our Young Matildas, who got off to a winning start at the #U20WWC 🙌🇦🇺 https://t.co/MIeanG3hu5
— Subway Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 11, 2022
The Young Matildas then made it two in two minutes.
Gallagher’s cross from the right-hand side in the 72nd minute was too hot for goalkeeper Genesis Perez to handle.
Henry and player of the match Daniela Galic were waiting to pounce on the parry, but it was Henry who secured the last touch.
GET IN! From 1-0 down, to 2-1 up in a matter of minutes – the #YoungMatildas have the lead! 🇦🇺😲
Watch Australia take on Costa Rica in the U-20 @FIFAWWC LIVE on @SBS and @SBSOnDemand right NOW! ⚽🇦🇺#VamosJuntas
▶: https://t.co/aWaEj7ay5P pic.twitter.com/Tf3B83e6SC— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) August 11, 2022
The Australians scored their clincher from a set piece.
Hana Lowry’s corner was sent perfectly into the hot spot and full back Fenton headed home from close range.
The Young Matildas now top Group A after Brazil and Spain shared the spoils in a scoreless draw.
Their coach Leah Blayney recorded a piece of history as the first Australian woman to coach at a FIFA tournament.
The Young Matildas next face Brazil, the U20 South American champions, on Sunday at 6am AEST.