The Australian women's national football team, the Matildas, kicked off their 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in an entertaining international friendly at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium. A crowd of over 30,000 fans witnessed a match filled with attacking intent, with Mary Fowler's first-half strike proving decisive.
Fowler Shines in Tight First Half
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both sides creating early chances. The Matildas, under the guidance of coach Tony Gustavsson, looked to impose their possession-based game. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when star forward Mary Fowler found the net with a composed finish, giving the home side a lead they would take into the break. New Zealand, known as the Football Ferns, posed a constant threat on the counter-attack, testing the Australian defence on several occasions.
Second-Half Drama Seals Australian Win
The intensity ramped up after half-time. Australia doubled their advantage midway through the second period, applying sustained pressure on the New Zealand backline. However, the visitors refused to capitulate. New Zealand pulled a goal back to set up a nervy finale, ensuring the Matildas had to defend resolutely in the closing stages. The introduction of substitutes from both benches injected fresh energy, but Australia managed the game effectively to see out the victory.
Building Momentum for Future Challenges
This friendly served as a crucial preparatory step for both teams. For the Matildas, the win provides positive momentum as they build towards upcoming major tournament qualifiers. The match allowed coach Gustavsson to assess player combinations and fitness levels. Key performances from established stars and emerging talents will give the selection panel plenty to consider. For New Zealand, the narrow defeat against a top-tier opponent offers valuable lessons and highlights areas for improvement as they continue their own development pathway in women's international football.
The fixture also underscored the growing popularity and commercial appeal of the women's game in the region, drawing a significant and vocal crowd to an iconic venue. Both teams are expected to use this performance as a foundation for their preparations throughout the rest of the year.
