AGONYFOR MATILDAS INOPENER
SAM Kerr opened her Women’s World Cup account but not even Australia’s fiercely cherished superstar could save the Matildas from an opening defeat last night.
Italy was twice disallowed goals either side of the break in an end-to-end, drama-filled Group C encounter. But Barbara Bonansea struck in the 95th minute to seal her brace and a 2-1 win that leaves coach Ante Milicic with plenty to ponder ahead of more challenging prospects further down the line in France.
Fancied as dark horses to bring home the trophy, the Matildas revealed flashes of the attacking class that propelled them to world No.6 but were too often disjointed and exposed at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.
The 15th-ranked Azzurre, conversely, meant business from the start and played up to their more-fancied counterparts, creating good chances that bore fruit at the death.
And though Lisa De Vanna added sorely needed lightning off the bench, the pressure will be on against remaining group foes Brazil and Jamaica.
The Matildas can thank a few millimetres of Bonansea’s forearm for the fact they didn’t go down an goal. Emily van Egmond turned over the ball and allowed Manuela Giugliano to unleash a superb, defence-splitting ball.
Bonansea, Italy’s most dangerous player, slipped off the shoulder, shrugged off a challenge and finished past a clearly frustrated Lydia Williams. But the lineswoman’s flag was up and the goal was disallowed.
A lengthy review by the video assistant referee showed the call was microscopic, but Honduran referee Melissa Borjas upheld her decision.
Then, nine minutes from time, Daniela Sabatino rattled the near post before putting the rebound in the back corner but was similarly ruled offside.
Kerr has four consecutive club golden boots across two continents but had yet to score at a World Cup at her previous two tournaments. She wasted no time here.
As Ellie Carpenter whipped in a cross, Italy’s pugnacious skipper Sara Gama gave Kerr a shove in the box and the striker expertly drew the foul for a yellow card and penalty.