The Matildas have all but sealed an Olympics quarter-final berth after fighting out a tenacious 0-0 draw with the United States.
Australia went toe to toe with the world champions before both teams settled for a stalemate, seeing the Matildas finish third in group G on four points, due to the US’ superior goal difference.
The draw all but ensures the Matildas will be one of the two best third-placed teams, pending other results, which would see a final-eight match-up against the winner of group E – either Great Britain or Canada.
Only a catastrophic series of results across Tuesday’s remaining group games could cruel the Matildas’ chances of a top-eight berth.
The Matildas swung a very late change with Caitlin Foord replaced by teenager Mary Fowler, while coach Tony Gustavsson also called upon midfielder Chloe Logarzo and defender Alanna Kennedy.
But despite the late disruption, Australia matched it with the world No.1s from the opening whistle, with Fowler among the shining lights.
The US almost opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Alex Morgan almost went one on one with goalkeeper Teagan Micah, who backed off and made a comfortable save after Logarzo got back to pressure the US superstar.
Ten minutes later, the Matildas almost snatched the lead when Ellie Carpenter’s long throw caused chaos in the 18-yard box and Fowler looped a header off the crossbar.
Australia dominated most of the opening half-hour before the US got a real foothold in the game, then almost took the lead in the 31st minute.
Kelley O’Hara whipped a ball into the mixer and an unmarked Alex Morgan headed home at the near post – only to be ruled offside, with the VAR upholding the tight call.
In the 43rd minute, Sam Kerr worked a ball to Tameka Yallop, who hit her chance from a tight angle straight at US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
Two minutes later, US star Julie Ertz made a crucial tackle on Kerr close to goal to ensure a half-time stalemate.
Nine minutes into the second half, Kyah Simon slipped through Fowler, who had one shot blocked then put another off target.
The Matildas had a nervous moment in the 66th minute when Carpenter received treatment on her hamstring, but she played out the game.
Both teams sat back for the final 20 minutes, while Kerr received treatment in the 87th minute but returned to the field.
AAP
