The Matildas made it two wins from their two games at the Cup of Nations after defeating Spain 3-2 at the Commbank Stadium.
Australia produced a ruthless first half to beat Spain 3-2 in Parramatta on Sunday morning. The Matildas raced into a two goal lead in quick succession. Forward Cortnee Vine opened the scoring after 11 minutes when she hit a beauty off midfielder Hayley Raso’s pass. Defender Clare Polkinghorne doubled the Matildas’ lead five minutes later to send her side in cruise control.
Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord made it 3-0 with three minutes left before half-time off defender Steph Catley’s pass. The Arsenal players combined to make sure their side had put the match beyond Spain.
The second period resumed with Spain making a double change at half-time. They introduced defender Sheila Garcia and midfielder Marta Carro for defender Oihane and forward Fiamma Iannuzzi. Spain pulled a goal back through Olga Carmona in the 73rd minute to bring some hope. Liga F’s leading goalscorer, forward Alba Redondo made it 3-2 with virtually the last kick of the match.
This was the Matildas first win over La Roja and it was a good preparation ahead of the World Cup in July this year. This was the Matildas will face Jamaica in the third and final Cup of Nations clash on Wednesday.
