Australia sealed their first ever FIFA Women's World Cup victory with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Ghana at the Dragon Stadium in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on Wednesday.
Australia have taken part in the past three World Cup, only laboured out two draws and seven defeats. And the Aussies handed Ghana their first World Cup victory four years ago during a 2-1 group match defeat.
"The Australians are better than us in seizing opportunities," said Ghana coach Isaac Paha.
"They have very fast forwards, and make fully use of their speed in every chance. We also created good chances, especially in the first half, but could not catch them."
"Ghana have good skills and showed some good passing ability, but we created more chances and seized them. we are now in a good position to qualify for the 1/4 finals," commented Australia boss Tom Sermanni.
"The difference between the 2003 and 2007 team is that we have a much better squad with a group of mature players. We can keep possession better and play some good passing football."
Lively striker Sarah Walsh drilled in a sharp shot inside the penalty area following forward line partner Caitlin Munoz's nice back pass in the 15th minute.
Substitute forward Lisa De Vanna comfortably made a brace in the 57th and 87th minute. Left midfielder Heather Garriock made a fine header ten minutes later to seal victory.
Ghana only took a consolation goal in the 70th minute by skipper Adjoa Bayor.
Australia played better than the "Black Queens" with good organization and teamwork. Playmaker Collette Mc Callum provided a string of accurate defence-splitting long range passes to create four clear chances in the first half, only to find the forwards squandered all of them. Ghana also had good opportunities, but a hesitating striker Anita Amankwa missed two great ones after rounding the Australian keeper Melissa Barbieri.
The Matildas didn't slow their attacks after the interval, threatening their rivals in glancing ways. De Vanna's drive was denied by the crossbar, and midfielder Heather Garriock's sliding flying towards the air.
Ghana are lucky enough to avoid further humiliation as Australia wasted a dozen of goal scoring chances.
Source: Xinhua
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