A Diana Ordóñez strike from inside the box in the 92nd minute lifted Mexico to the upset win in front of 23,167 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. The 24-year-old, coming on as a substitute, fired into the bottom left corner after receiving a slick pass from Alice Soto for the winner. It is a second win over the Matidas in history for Mexico and its first over the Green and Gold since 2004. Matildas star Sam Kerr earlier had a golden opportunity to strike
the first blow with time and space running toward goal freely in the 87th minute. But a strong tackle from Mexico defender Greta Espinoza denied Kerr of a shot. As the Mexicans were for much of the night, they went on to fire strong attempts through Charlyn Corral and Greta Espinoza in the dying stages before eventually finding the late winner. Nicki Hernandez and Montserrat Saldivar also had promising chances in the first half but the Matildas managed to survive those, before coming out of
halftime with improved play led by Kerr. But the Matildas had limited chances throughout despite having more shots (19-12) and possession (61 per cent) as the Mexicans had the better of the chances in a promising showing. The Mexicans are now unbeaten in their last 16 games where they conceded just two goals. The Matildas will get the chance to make a mend on Tuesday when they face the North American outfit again in Sydney. Joe Montemurro’s side will be targeting its first win in
Australia since an AFC Women’s Asian Cup final 1-0 loss to Japan in March. KERR FIRES SHOTS Matildas star forward Sam Kerr fired several shots out of halftime to heap pressure on Mexico and threaten an opening goal. The now former Chelsea striker nailed two headers and then a back heal in the 63rd minute but all came without enough power behind them. Kerr then played a nice short pass for lively substitute Hayley Raso in the 65th minute, although, her shot fly over the
bar in a chance gone begging for the Australians. CARPENTER’S MILETSONE Matildas fullback Ellie Carpenter nearly had an assist in her 100th appearance with one of the brightest moments for the home side in what was a quieter first half. After receiving a nice through ball from Emily van Egmond, Carpenter made a strong run into the box before passing towards forward Caitlin Foord, but the play just before halftime couldn’t be completed. “That is as close as Australia have come,” Paramount+ commentator Taryn Heddo
said. Carpenter, 26, who is the second youngest Matilda to reach the milestone, made another lengthy run into the box in the 68th minute to put the Mexican defence under pressure. The regional NSW product from Cowra is the 18th player to reach 100 appearances for the Matildas. Originally published as Australia vs Mexico friendly: Extra-time Mexican dagger sinks Matildas’s hearts in Newcastle
Matildas, Mexico, Diana Ordóñez, Sam Kerr, Greta Espinoza, Newcastle, McDonald Jones Stadium, friendly, Ellie Carpenter, AFC Women's Asian Cup
Wait Mexico beat the Matildas again?? I thought Sam Kerr always scores lol
23,167 at Newcastle and somehow Mexico got the dagger in the 92nd. I swear that’s always when the comeback happens. Kinda wild Kerr had a “golden opportunity” and still didn’t put it away.
Greta Espinoza tackle in the 87th… so basically that’s what decided it? But then the Matildas had more shots and possession, so how did Mexico even win. I don’t get it. Like possession should’ve meant more goals.
Diana Ordóñez dagger?? Thought it said “Diana” like a person with a knife or something 😂 Anyway Mexico unbeaten in 16 but only conceding two goals… that sounds like Matildas defense just fell asleep at the worst time. Also Kerr coming out of halftime and firing shots but still losing is brutal, I feel bad.