The Matilda’s’ most-capped player, and perhaps its most popular, Queensland’s Clare Polkinghorne, was farewelled by more than 30,000 Geelong football fans as they obliterated Chinese Taipei 6-nil on Saturday night.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Subscribe and get your first month for just $1 Limited time offer.
There may have been a new-look, fresh-faced Matilda’s outfit deprived of its biggest stars playing in Geelong for just the first time in seven years, but it didn’t deter 30,097 local punters turning out to the fixture at Kardinia Park where the ground’s traditional blue and white hoops were utterly replaced by a sea of green and gold, especially across the Players and Reg Hickey stands, which were near to bursting at the seams.
Facing a Chinese Taipei side it earlier trounced 3-1 on Wednesday night in Melbourne – ending the national team’s 16-straight sold-out games – it was Polkinghorne’s 169th and final international fixture, ending a career spanning almost 20 years that started when she was a 17-year-old in a friendly against China.
Improving on the Matilda’s’ 5-1 thrashing of China at Kardinia Park back in November of 2017, the home side outplayed the visitors 6-0 as they introduced two more debutants.
In a nice touch of symmetry, moments after veteran Polkinghorne left the field for the final time midway through the second term, 19-year-old number one Chloe Lincoln ran on to replace Mackenzie Arnold – who had been a bystander – and couldn’t contain her delight.
Laura Hughes also made a later appearance for her first outing at the level.
In an overall much more entertaining outing, on the eve of rounding out a tour of equally matched locals with their last match for 2024 Matilda’s would be able to look ahead to ‘25 with some hope after going 2-0 up in 11 minutes of play dominating possession.
There were changes, four of them, as interim coach Tom Sirianni had promised more changes from Wednesday night’s fixture and Brylee Henry and Leah Davidson made their starting debuts in midfield, while Chloe Logars went out with concussion.
And it took Melbourne City’s Davidson no time to settle into Kardinia Park with her first goal for the Matilda’s, nodding a pinpoint cross from Emily van Egmond into the left corner of the net after six minutes.
The Aussies had a number of decent opportunities, Wang Yu-Ting making a great save from a strong Tameka Yallop attempt on goal, and Emily Galenic failed to convert a dangerous Michelle Heyman cross into the goal mouth.
But there was an air of inevitability as the scoreline crept to in the favor of the visitors 2-0 after a deft left footer from Yallop found Davidson’s debut goal in the green and gold at the other end of the net.
To ruin an opening 45 a team would only describe as a nightmare, 21-year-old Ting Chia-Ying was taken off on a stretcher in tears with a suspected knee injury deeply into that half as a wave began to swell, such had fizz gone out of the game.
For her earlier miss, Galenic would make amends, head another sublime Yallop left footer, and it was 3-0 and essentially, game over.
It could have been double that by half time, with the game played often in the Matildas’ attacking half, and close to 70 per cent possession.
Galenic and Davidson were withdrawn at the interval as Remy Siemsen and Alex Chidiac entered the field.
Like Davidson before him, the former would find his way into the action early, feeding Heyman for a nice assist as the scoring continued to be distributed.
A Tash Prior header and a hammer left footer from Sharn Freier added to the visitors’ woes, a 6-0 rout sealing a brace of wins including a long overdue clean sheet following consecutive defeats to Brazil last week in the Sunshine State.
After the match, Yallop said Polkinghorne had had a “stellar career” and it was going to be strange not to have her in the squad looking ahead.
“She can never be replaced, and she’s left an amazing legacy,” Yallop said.
“I think there were a lot of things that were fun out there today, we played some good football.
“We didn’t take a backwards step which was crucial.”
Having only made her Tillies debut three nights prior in Melbourne, Leah Davidson kicked it up a notch with a first start for Matilda’s.
With cap 232, the 23-year-old got the fans to their feet within six minutes against Chinese Taipei with an intelligent header.
The Aussies dominated the opening minutes of the match, with the ball hardly leaving Chinese Taipei’s attacking half, creating half a dozen genuine scoring opportunities.
The half-time scoreline of 3-0 didn’t feel like it reflected a match that was predominantly played the Matildas way and the visitors hardly threatened going the other way.
Chloe Lincoln and Laura Hughes would also debut as the Matildas injected further fresh faces.
If the crowd at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday is anything to go by, the last seven years have been astonishing for the growth of women’s elite soccer.
Football Australia was hoping for up to 27,000 for the Matildas’ last match for the year at Kardinia Park, despite a galaxy of stars either unavailable, crocked or withdrawing due to mental fatigue.
And while it was well short of a blockbuster clash against a world team ranked 41 in the world it was more than four times what the previous attendance by FA figures, who watched the Tillies play Chinese back in November 2017, when 30,057 people turned out.
“It’s amazing atmosphere,” retired Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams said, as she was walking in pre-game.
About the author
FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Insights, Teams, and Predictions
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will denote a new level for world soccer. It will be a great coming together of nations that included units and competitiveness never seen before in any single tournament game. As the first-ever tournament hosted by three nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—this edition will also give a great present to fans as its expanded format, world-class venues, and hard-fought games for competition. More lives will be squeezed in this collection of thirteen nights than ever before. 0 From the thrill of underdog victories to the anticipation of record-breaking performances, the 2026 World Cup will be a momentous event that unites billions worldwide. FIFA World Cup 2026: Big Leap as 48 Teams For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will boast 48 teams, bringing more good nations into this official club. Why? Because […]
What we know about the deadly Christmas market attack in Germany
At least two people have died in the incident. Witnesses say that it took place at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, an east German city that is synonymous with today's modern era of unity and civil rights and one was in fact among its organizers. In the violence Friday evening (local time), which left 60 people hospitalised, Reiner Haseloff, premier of Saxony-Anhalt, where Magdeburg is situated, told Bild Germany's top-selling daily newspaper that a small child was also found dead. According to Prime Minister Haseloff, the driver of the vehicle in question has already been arrested. How did events happen? The eastern city of Magdeburg is about 130km southwest of Berlin. People had gathered at their traditional Christmas markets, enjoying a few more days of holiday cheer before going home for the season. Citing security sources, German outlet Der Spiegel […]
Hawk Tuah Girl Hit with Cryptocurrency Suit: What You Need to Know
In a dramatic turn of events, the cryptocurrency company involving Hawk Tuah Girl, Welch and her partners, are now locked up in courts fight over a pump-and-dump scheme in which they allegedly cheated investors of their $HAWK coins. The whole affair has not only affected those who own that coin at all, but also set off widespread conjecture about Welch's participation in this project. The Allegations: Pump-and-Dump Scheme Welch's colleagues, Alex Larson Schultz (aka "Doc Hollywood") and Clinton So, whose platform over Here promoted the $HAWK issue, stand accused of engineering a pump-and-dump scheme. All three were present at a Spaces event on X (former Twitter) hosted by the team to challenge these allegations. Although Welch participated little in the discussion, Schultz and So denied every accusation. The alleged scam involves wallets that held the majority of $HAWK tokens suddenly […]
The Simpsons Really Does Leave Channel 4 of 20 Years; To Move E4
Appearances on Channel 4 A look back at the show's memorable moments on Channel 4. The much-loved animated show The Simpsons has spent 20 years on Channel 4 but will be leaving with this and join E4 from January 1 2014. In recognition of its videos' gifts to daily life and global impact over 35 years, the Channel 4 6:30 P.m. show on Sunday will become another home for them now that it is housed on E4. New Seasons Will Drop Without Warning On Disney+gif E4 The latest episodes of The Simpsons will be available first on Disney +. In addition, the new seasons will also air on Channel 4's streaming site for only brief periods when it comes out. Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions for Channel 4, explains why they have moved: "This is about reflecting modern television viewing […]
Disney Announces Bluey Movie as Creator Joe Brumm Steps Away from Series
Blue’s Adventures Continue Without the Man Who Created Her Bluey, the BAFTA-winning children’s animated series, may find future innovations after the news released in mid-September of an upcoming feature film. “Bluey” indeed is both name and brand. With groundbreaking success at home and abroad it has become a high-performing Sohu Kuai Kan story franchise. And according to figures published by BBC Studios this year, it was number seven among all of China's top 20 made-in-China cartoons for 2020. As Joe Brumm Steps Away, the Disney Bluey Movie Comes to The 2027 Cinemas Fans of Bluey’s adventures around town will soon be able to see those innovative stories on the China’s biggest screens. Disney and BBC Studios announced a Bluey feature film for 2027, now under development. Heeler fans from around the world never expected their most popular blue dog to […]
Remembering John Marsden: Beloved Australian Author and Educator Passes Away at 74
Acclaimed Australian Author John Marsden Dies at 74 Australian author and educator John Marsden, known by generations of schoolkidsas “that guy who wrote the Tomorrow series,” is dead at the age of 74. As a professor Renowned for his young adult fiction series Tomorrow When the War Began, Marsden left an indelible mark on literature and education. The Alice Miller School, which he founded, released the news in a deeply felt message “He died at his desk in his house, doing what he loved,” the school’s letter disclosed. For some time now Marsden had been fighting health problems. Although he retired as principal earlier this year, he remained closely attached to the life of the college as a tireless advocate for higher standards and more modern examination Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Marsden: “John Marsden wanted young Australians […]
Related
FIFA World Cup 2026: Key Insights, Teams, and Predictions
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will denote a new level for world soccer. It will be a great coming together of nations that included units and competitiveness never seen before in any single tournament game. As the first-ever tournament hosted by three nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—this edition will also give a great present to fans as its expanded format, world-class venues, and hard-fought games for competition. More lives will be squeezed in this collection of thirteen nights than ever before. 0 From the thrill of underdog victories to the anticipation of record-breaking performances, the 2026 World Cup will be a momentous event that unites billions worldwide. FIFA World Cup 2026: Big Leap as 48 Teams For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup will boast 48 teams, bringing more good nations into this official club. Why? Because […]
A Controversial Car Crash of Michail Antonio
We all at West Ham United Football Club send our support to Antonio during this difficult time. In a short statement, the club said it was concerned for the health and well-being of the player, and confirmed it was in contact with the authorities and the player’s family. The club also called on fans to be patient as the full details of the accident were established. What Led to the Antonio Crash? A source close to the situation said it was accident that resulted in Michail Antonio's involvement and they are investigating. Whether it was a matter of road conditions, the involvement of another vehicle or the problem with Antonio’s car, those details are still being explored. Initial reports indicate that foul play or reckless driving was not suspected. However, it will be great to know more details on […]
Mohammed Siraj left booed Dhaka fronter after fiery send-off to Travis Head; netizens say ‘arrest them DSP Saab
Mohammed Siraj made headlines again in Adelaide after he bid a fiery farewell to Travis Head on the second day of the Pink Ball Test between India and Australia. The incident took place when Siraj picked up Head for 140, uprooting the stumps of the left-hander as the Australian innings was ending. After getting the wicket, though, they both seemed to have been embroiled in a verbal duel, as per Siraj's words for sending off Head, who in turn gave it back to the pacer. But that wasn't the end of the drama as the Adelaide crowd rallied behind the Centurions, booing Siraj for the verbal spat. The umpires were informed of a crowd reaction when Siraj had a word with them after the incident. Travis Head gives headache to Indians: Head was out in the 82nd over of the […]
Premier League Statement on Postponed Everton vs Liverpool Merseyside Derby Due to Storm Darragh
Premier League: Everton vs. Liverpool Postponed (October 29 2023): If Storm Darragh could be 50km wide and 21km millimeters deep After the Merseyside Derby was postponed, this was the official statement from the Premier League. The contest was originally set to take place on December 7 but was cancelled because of the heavy weather brought on by Storm Darragh. The storm prompted a "danger to life" alert from the UK's MET Office for Merseyside, parts of Wales and Northern Ireland. Everton vs Liverpool Postponed Due to Severe Weather Everton announced its decision to postpone the match in a statement on Thursday morning. The club said a Safety Advisory Group meeting was held at Goodison Park with representatives from both clubs, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council. But it was confirmed that the amber wind warning, with gusts of up to […]
Pathum Nissanka’s 89 Lifts Sri Lanka in 2nd Test vs. South Africa, Despite Kyle Verreynne’s Century
|Sri Lanka: 242/3 (Day 2, 66 overs), 3:00 PM (Time in Sri Lanka) Pathum Nissanka's resilient knock of 89 helped Sri Lanka put themselves in a commanding position at 242/3 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, against South Africa’s total of 358 in their second Test on Wednesday. With the deficit down to just 116 runs, Sri Lanka will enter the third day in a strong position. Kyle Verreynne Hits Century to Lead South Africa to 358 South Africa started Day 2 at 269/7, adding more runs with Kyle Verreynne on 48. Despite the tail being exposed and a second new ball looming, Verreynne, with help from Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson, guided South Africa to a total of 358 that felt competitive. South Africa's top scorer was Verreynne, who was unbeaten on 105 with 12 fours and three sixes. This […]
Europa Conference League: Ultimate Guide
Explore the Europa Conference League, UEFA's latest club competition. Get fixtures, live scores, results, and standings updates. Join the football fervor.
Be the first to leave a comment