2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Australia
Australia have claimed their first ever win at a FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 4-1 victory over African nation Ghana at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium in China.
In their fourth appearance at the World Cup and in their tenth match at this level, the Matildas made history after leading 1-0 at half time through a Sarah Walsh goal 15 minutes into her World Cup debut.
Australia extended their lead through half time substitute Lisa De Vanna before a third goal from Heather Garriock grabbed a goal that saw the midfielder become Australia’s top World Cup scorer with three goals.
Ghana pulled a goal back immediately after through Anita Amankwa but De Vanna wrapped up the scoring with Australia’s fourth nine minutes from time.
It was the first time that Australia have held an opponent scoreless in a World Cup match after previous tournament appearances in 1995, 1999 and 2003.
Match Details:
Australia 4 (Sarah Walsh 15’, Lisa De Vanna 57’, 81’ Heather Garriock 69’) defeated Ghana 1 (Anita Amankwa 70’)
Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Clare Polkinghorne (Thea Slatyer 83’), Cheryl Salisbury (c), Kate McShea, Dianne Alagich; Sally Shipard, Collette McCallum, Joanne Peters (Alicia Ferguson 62’), Heather Garriock; Caitlin Munoz (Lisa De Vanna 46′), Sarah Walsh
