Substitute star Michelle Heyman earned Australia a famous victory in Nice to kick-start their Olympic campaign and keep their medal hopes alive, but they certainly made it difficult for themselves in Nice.
The Matildas keep their Olympic dreams alive
It’s been a ropey start to life in Paris for Australia’s Olympic football team, suffering a big loss in the opening game of Group B and at risk of bowing out of medal contention halfway through the second game against Zambia.
The Matildas, who are without talismanic striker and captain Sam Kerr through injury, staged a dramatic comeback in Nice, snatching an incredible victory from the jaws of defeat to win 6-5, keeping their Olympic dream alive… and Australia’s head coach Tony Gustavsson hasn’t exactly been pulling his punches.
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Tony Gustavsson got his substitutions right
“This was one of the craziest games we’ve ever played,” Gustavsson said. “I mean how many times have these players done that, this is not the time to dwell about how we conceded five goals because obviously that was sh*t.”
“Obviously, that was sh*t.”
Tony Gustavsson, Australia Head Coach
Substitute Michelle Heyman proved decisive for Australia, forcing a Zambian own goal within minutes of entering the pitch. Her energy and presence immediately changed the game, injecting much-needed urgency into the Matildas’ attack as they searched for a famous victory.
Heyman’s relentless pressure caused serious problems for the Zambian defence, and the experienced pro would later score the winning goal in the last minute of regular time.
“This is the time to talk about the spirit in this team. They scored on their first shot in the game, how do we respond to that? Being up against the wall a little bit before the game starts and then concede five and still win? I mean, what a group of players this is, they’re so amazing.”
The Matildas will play Olympic favourites U.S., who dismantled the Germans with relative ease, to qualify for the next stage of this year’s Games.