China’s women beaten by Australia in front of more than 75,000 fans as Matildas prepare to head off to Paris Olympic Games
- Real Madrid’s Hayley Raso and Everton’s Clare Wheeler were on the scoresheet in Sydney friendly
- Matildas will be heading to France as Steel Roses watch from home after missing out
China were beaten 2-0 by Australia in front of 76,798 fans on Monday, with Real Madrid’s Hayley Raso and Everton’s Clare Wheeler scoring the goals.
It was the Matildas final home match before the Olympics. They finished fourth at the last Games in Tokyo and again at the World Cup in 2023, with Tony Gustavsson’s side desperate to do better in Paris.
After an uninspiring 1-1 friendly draw with China in Adelaide last week, a near full-strength team started at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
Wheeler pounced early in the second half, before a live wire Raso doubled the score after 58 minutes to send them to France on a winning note.
Gustavsson will name his 18-player Olympic squad on Tuesday with the only concern a hamstring niggle for Arsenal striker Caitlin Foord, who did not play on Monday.
In a game marking the retirement of veteran Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams after 104 caps, the hosts dominated the first half but the Chinese defence was resolute.
