Talking Points: Rio Olympics 2016 – Australia 6 Zimbabwe 1

Talking Points: Rio Olympics 2016 – Australia 6 Zimbabwe 1

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Australia has qualified for the quarter finals of the Rio 2016 Games with a 6-1 win over Zimbabwe in the final group match.

The Matildas needed a huge win from their last hit out in the group stages and they got off to the best of starts with Lisa De Vanna scoring in the opening two minutes.

Elise Kellond-Knight released Katrina Gorry who put it across the face of goal for De Vanna to finish, putting her with one of Kate Gill’s Matildas’ all-time scoring record.

The team scored twice more in the half. Co-captain Clare Polkinghorne finished from close range off a Kellond-Knight corner; Alanna Kennedy headed home from the same source.

Zimbabwe’s chances were few and far between, with goalkeeper Mackenzie not tested and rarely getting a touch of the ball.

The Matildas continued to score in the second half with Kyah Simon adding a fourth in the 50th minute after a brilliant pass from Steph Catley.

Michelle Heyman entered the fray and scored goals five and six. The first was a glancing header from an Emily van Egmond corner. The pair combined again with van Egmond playing through Heyman who finished with the outside of her right boot.

For all their hard work the Matildas did drop off towards the end of the match allowing Zimbabwe’s Msipa Emmaculate to score, maintaining the Mighty Warriors’ record of scoring in every match of these Games.

Attack, attack, attack

The intent was clear from the outset with coach Alen Stajcic naming an incredibly attacking line-up. Caitlin Foord was moved back into the fullback role, with Clare Polkinghorne moving in the centre of defence. Foord and Steph Catley ensured Australia had plenty of attacking width up the length of the pitch.

The usual midfield trio of Emily van Egmond, Katrina Gorry and Elise-Kellond-Knight resumed service with Chloe Logarzo returning to the line-up, after missing the match against Germany, playing alongside Lisa De Vanna and Kyah Simon.

The team made use of their height and aerial strength, scoring three goals from corners and were quick and clever.

Done their part

With the win the Matildas have qualified. They needed an emphatic victory and that’s what they delivered with six goals giving them an excellent goal difference. It is this goal difference which will hold them in good stead regardless of how other results pan out.

While qualification has been secured, the team will now face either the defending world and Olympic champions in the US or the home team in Brazil. Both loom as imposing opponents but the Matildas will be thrilled with the result against Zimbabwe, filled with confidence and determination to continue in this tournament.

Quarter finals and beyond

While the Matildas can’t be ruled out for causing an upset against whoever they face in their next match, there is some level of concern regarding fatigue. Australia unquestionably put out a mostly first choice line up against Zimbabwe and most of these players have put in huge shifts over the last five days. The team looked tired as the match progressed with a distinct drop off in intensity which led to Zimbabwe getting forward more and ultimately scoring a late consolation goal.

The job gets no easier from here and a good recovery is vital to the Matildas’ next phase in the competition.

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