The main question surrounding Sunday night’s tournament opener in Perth was not whether Australia would win, but rather whether they would repeat the 8-0 thrashing they delivered the last time these teams met during the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers in October 2023.
But coach Mark Torcaso had warned his side were vastly improved since that Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier – his second night in charge – and promised they would make themselves annoying to play against.
The Matildas sing the national anthem in front of a sold-out crowd in Perth.Credit: Getty Images
The Philippines were indeed annoying in front of 44,379 at Optus Stadium, pressing and sticking the boot whenever possible to prevent their far more fancied opponents from establishing an attacking rhythm.
It worked for the first 14 minutes, during which young goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln was given the chance to demonstrate that a fourth cap on such a big occasion was not out of her depth.
But then everything clicked. Clare Wheeler lashed a cross across the face of goal and onto Caitlin Foord’s head, and Foord was already eyeing Kerr before it had reached her.
The captain’s finish was a classic poacher’s goal, a header too hot to handle for Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, and one to signal more to come over the coming weeks.
Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord celebrate the goal.Credit: Getty Images
By the time a Hayley Raso goal had been chalked off for offside and Steph Catley’s on-target free kick had forced McDaniel into a reflexive dive, Australia had hogged 88 per cent possession.
Much of the Philippines’ 12 per cent share were clearances and blocks, as they packed their defence tight and deep in a bid to keep the scoreline steady until half-time.
Steady it remained well into the second half, until the visitors fashioned their first real period of possession, which prompted screams from the crowd and Montemurro to his feet for perhaps the first time.
Montemurro during the national anthems.Credit: Getty Images
This was supposed to be Tillies time, Kerr time, Foord time. Hat-tricks for days. But you need shooting accuracy for that, and you need McDaniel to not be having the game of her life.
Maybe it would be Fowler time? The anticipation of her international return from the year-long ACL layoff was finally realised in the 68th minute when the Manchester City forward replaced Emily van Egmond, and Alanna Kennedy gave Wheeler her leave.
Fowler was clearly ready for her moment. She had the molten movement, slipping into gaps and then disappearing in a puff of smoke. But it was Kerr who took another shot, bringing the off-target tally to seven from a total 12.
Amy Sayer was the next disruptor sent on as Raso called it a day and the Philippines did their best to slow down the pace. The Matildas kept pushing. Catley took a shot. Sayer took a shot. Fowler took a shot, and then another, until the shot count ended 15-1 in Australia’s favour. Only six on target. Only one in the net. But a win is a win.
Mary Fowler returns.Credit: Getty Images