The Young Matildas have got off to the perfect start in Costa Rica, defeating the host nation 3-1 in their opening FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup encounter.
While the scoreline suggests a relatively comfortable Australian win, Leah Blayney and her side had to work exceptionally hard against this Costa Rican side.
Australia started the brighter of the two with captain Sheridan Gallagher applying pressure to the goalkeeper, forcing a turnover, and ultimately receiving the ball.
Her audacious, long-range effort needed two attempts from Genesis Perez to be claimed.
Both sides favoured their right-hand sides in attack as they looked to settle into the match. While neither side created too many opportunities, Costa Rica opened the scoring in spectacular fashion.
At the 19-minute mark, Costa Rican captain Alexandra Pinell unleashed a rocket of a free kick from 35 yards out. It was an early goal of the tournament contender and there was nothing Sally James in the Australian goal could do as the ball sailed over her head.
The 22,506-strong crowd, that were overwhelmingly pro-Costa Rica, were sent into raptures and La Sele enjoyed a dream start on home soil.
The Young Matildas did not drop their heads and continued to push Costa Rica’s defence in search of an equaliser.
Hanna Lowry was on set piece duty, with her corners, as well as the mass of bodies in the box, creating some chaos for Costa Rica’s defence.
Just past the half-hour mark, Australia entered a period of sustained possession. That pressure was eventually released in the form of a penalty for the Young Matildas.
