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1st FIFA Under-19 Women’s World Championship Canada 2002

Championnat du Monde de Football Feminin U-19 de la FIFA

NEWS

August 25, 2002

Young Matildas go down to Brazilian Golden goal-an Australian view

The Young Matildas came from behind to force their quarterfinal against favourites Brazil into extra-time, but went down to a golden goal to end their mighty campaign in the inaugural FIFA U19 Women's World Championship today in Vancouver.

The underdog Australians pushed the classy Brazilians all the way to ensure the do-or-die clash became a thrilling encounter. Two goals down at half-time, Australia fought back to level with a half-hour remaining in normal time. In the end, the Young Matildas were enormously disheartened to lose to the extra-time goal.

Brazil responded to the samba beat booming out from the crowd of over 6,500, ninety percent of whom were their own supporters, with exquisite ball skills and amazing football. Their pace in attack caught Australia off guard early with a close chance after two minutes. Brazil then took the lead in the 4th minute, robbing the Aussie defence of the ball for sharpshooter Marta to drive home.

The Young Matildas were missing key attacker Amber Neilson from a head injury sustained in training the previous day. But they soon stamped their own signature on the match, powerful in defence and purposeful in attack. A foul on the edge of the box was to result in Australia's equaliser in the 34th minute. Karla Reuter struck with a deft curling freekick beyond the reach of the Brazilian keeper for her first international goal.

It wasn't long however before Brazil reclaimed the lead with a quickfire pair of goals before the break. Marta weaved her way past two defenders before slotting the ball for Kelly to convert in the 42nd minute. Marta then scored her second three minutes later, her magical touch and speed again getting the better of her opponents before thumping the ball into the back of the net.

Rather than hang their heads with the two-goal deficit, the Australians came out firing in the second half. Six minutes in, Hayley Crawford scored her third for the Championship with a fantastic 25-yard freekick. The Young Matildas' spirit and ability to take the game to their opponent was further rewarded in the 59th minute when they once again levelled the score. Striker Jessica Mitchell, awarded a starting berth for her speed, used that pace to get behind the Brazilian defence by whom she was brought down. Selin Kuralay confidently made the all-important penalty kick count.

Mitchell caused further headaches for the Brazilian backline five minutes later, but her shot was saved by the goalkeeper's legs. Brazil hit back with two great chances in the final ten minutes of regulation time, but Australian keeper Luisa Marzotto heroically kept her team in the game, first brilliantly tipping a Cristiane curler over the bar, before saving a dangerous long-range strike from Daniela.

Brazil kept up their attacking intentions in extra-time with the brave Australians staving them off. Ten minutes in, captain Daniela stitched up the victory for the South Americans, her low drive squeezing under Marzotto, a tragic mistake from an otherwise top class performance in the Australian goal.

National Youth Coach Mike Mulvey was full of praise for his team at the end of the dramatic and enthralling display. "The girls were so courageous to come back from 3-1 down to such a quality team. I can't speak highly enough of the players' commitment to the cause. We will hold our heads up high. It's in a theatre such as this where character is built, and although we were defeated, this will stand these players in good stead for many years to come.