The first 2 matches of the Oceania qualifers were played over the weekend in Australia. Papua New Guinea defeated Cook Islands 5-1 Australia defeated Samoa 19-0 (2 goals shy of their highest score of 21) Following match reports come from http://www.matildas.org.au QANTAS MATILDAS OPEN QUALIFIERS WITH GOAL FEAST The Qantas Matildas opened their World Cup campaign with a feast of goals, easily accounting for Samoa with a final scoreline of 19-0 tonight in Canberra on day one of the OFC Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Heading the scorers list were Joanne Peters, Kelly Golebiowski, and April Mann, racking up four goals each in the match. Scoring their first ever international goals were Danielle Small, Rhian Davies, and Thea Slatyer. The result was just two goals short of the Qantas Matildas' record score of 21-0, achieved in the 1998 Oceania World Cup Qualifiers against American Samoa. Australia was ruthless in its goalscoring rate, particularly early in the second half when they scored eight goals in the space of fifteen minutes. Developing nation Samoa saw little of the ball and rarely got within sight of goal. Peters opened the Australian account after just four minutes with a cracking strike from 30 metres. Golebiowski scored next on the quarter-hour mark, racing in at the far post to head in a superb cross from the left by Sacha Wainwright, who continually carved her way up the left flank. Davies found the spot three minutes later, driving home an uncleared corner for a 3-0 lead. Peters added her second in the 35th minute with Wainwright again the provider, before Small's shot found its way under the keeper and into goal with four minutes remaining for the half. The lively Golebiowski was successful again from close range less than a minute later to take the half-time scoreline to 6-0. Golebiowski racked up her first international hattrick forty seconds into the second half, dancing her way through the opposition. Peters followed suit with her trio four minutes later with a drive, before April Mann opened her tally within another two minutes with a screamer. Four goals in three minutes followed, Wainwright grabbing a goal for herself from the edge of the box, then Slatyer claimed her maiden goal converting a Golebiowski freekick. Slatyer was then recorded as the next scorer, although there is debate over the accuracy of this, a chip from the 18-yard line. Mann next converted a freekick from the left for a scoreline of 13-0. Golebiowski scored her fourth in clinical fashion, and substitute Heather Garriock put her name on the sheet after ten minutes on the field. Small scored after winning a loose ball and running at goal, and Peters produced her fourth from a cross from the right. April Mann surged in with two goals in the final five minutes, notching up her first hattrick in the process. Australia was denied a twentieth goal, Gill Foster's 90th minute penalty disallowed by the referee. Samoa had their best chance of scoring their first ever international goal late in the match, but the freekick was cleared by the Australian defence. National Coach Adrian Santrac was not getting carried away with the win, mindful that the challenge will be much harder come next weekend. "Of the job we've got to do, this is only part one," he said. "Most of tonight's performance was very good, but it's very difficult in this environment to maintain concentration throughout." Australia next play debutantes Cook Islands on Monday afternoon. In today's earlier match, Papua New Guinea proved too strong for Cook Islands, coming away with a 5-1 victory. After a fairly even start, favourites Papua New Guinea settled into their game to score twice within a minute midway throughthe first half. Glenda Matthies was successful as the goalkeeper fumbled her drive, and Priscilla Konalalai broke through the defence. Cook Islands pulled the deficit back to one on the half-hour, Melanie converting after a flick on from a freekick. But Papua New Guinea broke further ahead to 4-1 with two more goals before the break, Neilen Limbai getting in behind the defence, and Lydia Banabas driving past the keeper. After the lively first half, there were no more goals until the 87th minute, Papua New Guinea scoring number five with a second strike from Limbai. SCORING SUMMARY: AUSTRALIA 19 Joanne Peters 4', 35', 50', 80', Kelly Golebiowski 15', 42', 46', 61', Rhian Davies 18', Danielle Small 41', 78', April Mann 52', 58', 86', 88', Sacha Wainwright 55', Thea Slatyer 56', 57', Heather Garriock 72' SAMOA 0 Halftime score: 6-0 COOK ISLANDS 1 Melanie Rakei 29' PAPUA NEW GUINEA 5 Glenda Matthies 21', Priscilla Konalalai 23', Neilen Limbai 40', 87', Lydia Banabas 42' Halftime score: 1-4 GO AUSSIE!!!
thanks for posting that vivy! keep them coming... i sorta feel bad for the countries on the other end of the rout-fest! lol elaine
Oh no, not again... New Zealand trash Samoa by 15! http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,181443-2-27,00.html
Australia 11 Cook Islands 0 http://www.socceraustralia.com.au/public/article/show.asp?articleid=6140&menuItemID=
another match has been played tonight in the qualifers and again australia won the matildas beat papua new guinea 13-0 the scoring summary is below: April Mann 5'/43'/49'/55' Joanne Peters 18' Cheryl Salisbury 30'/80' pen, Dianne Alagich 46', Kelly Golebiowski 60'/66', Heather Garriock 61'/74'/91' and in the other match tonight, NZ beat cook islands, 9-0 scoring summary below: Jackman 13, 34, 50, Ferrara 4, 22, Smith 30, Henderson 53, Simpson 59, McCahill 90
These scores are hardly surprising but the attitude of the coach of Samoa was refreshing. Despite the losses, he is rather upbeat about his team's performances. " Let's not forget our last international was 5 years ago and during that campaign, we lost 21-0 to New Zealand. We can honestly say we have improved. Having played a superb Matildas side boasting four players who are currently competing in the WUSA - America's professional league considered the best in the world, the result should be put into perspective. The developement programs in Australia are some of the best in the world and, having worked within this system, I can honestly say I have never seen a fitter, sharper and well oiled Matildas and New Zealand are not far behind this. No excuses, however, for our girls. We have been completely outplayed but as long as we continue to learn and improve, as a coach, I cannot ask for more from my players. Remember "Rome wasn't built in a day. Our game against New Zealand was no different but our second half performance in conceding only 5 goals was one of great heart, concentration and determination. The results are improving. "Well done, girls. 30 goals in two games for Australia to quote the Canberra Times "The Matildas are on song". I am sure we are seeing potentially the best Matildas side ever who, in years to come, I believe can achieve great results" He and the rest of the Samoans are waiting for their match against the Cook Islands, the battle of Polynesia.
April Mann 24 yrs. old Australian striker April Mann is the leading scorer in the Oceania qualifying tournament in Canberra with eight goals The former W-League star shares her views on the upcoming match vs. nemesis New Zealand.... Kiwi showdown is Matildas' last World Cup hurdle By Jessica Halloran Sydney Morning Herald
New Zealand defeated Papua New Guinea 5-0 while Samoa won their first ever international match with a 1-0 victory over the Cook Islands. The goal by Lynetta Laumea in the 77th minute was the first ever for the Samoans. Apparently, the bench, coaches and the crowd erupted in cheers when the goal was scored. There was an attendance of about 250. Samoa and PNG have a win apiece with PNG possessing a superior record. PNG is assured of third place if they win or draw with Samoa, but Samoa needs to win to leapfrog PNG to third. Australia and New Zealand are even in matches won (3 each), but Australia only needs a draw while New Zealand has to win on Sunday to win the tournament and qualify through. Cook Islands leave for home as they have a bye in the last round. PAPUA NEW GUINEA 0 NEW ZEALAND 5 (Nicola Smith 7', Maia Jackman 12', 47', 59', Priscilla Duncan 68') Leading Goal Scorers Maia Jackman (New Zealand) 10 - April Mann (Australia) 8 - Nicky Smith (New Zealand) 7 - Kelly Golebiowski (Australia) 6 - Simone Ferrara (New Zealand) 5 - Joanne Peters (Australia) 5 - Danielle Small (Australia) 4 - Heather Garriock (Australia) 4 - Dianne Alagich (Australia) 3 - Amy Wilson (Australia) 2 - Hayley Crawford (Australia) 2 - Neilen Limbai PNG) 2 - Cheryl Salisbury (Australia) 2
Matildas into World Cup MATILDAS 2 KIWIS 0 The Matildas have qualified for this year’s women’s World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over New Zealand in the Oceania series in Canberra http://www4.sbs.com.au/national/index2.php3?id=32151
Not surprising. This New Zealand team has come a long way for a team that hasn't had an international in awhile. Maybe they will return to those glory years when they were head-to-head with their neighbors to the west.
well i wouldn't say that the matildas 'outplayed' NZ they were even for a good chunk of the first half and it was certainly a fight till the final whistle. as usual the kiwis always play with a lot of guts but they did seem a lack lustre but certainly not that outplayed. fnatastic game, great atmosphere & the players are so sweet, and if you ever get the chance to meet them, do so, they are so down to earth & heaps friendly GO AUSSIE!!!