The Matildas‘ first match under interim coach Tom Sermanni has produced a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Zurich on Saturday morning (AEDT).
In their first match since bombing out of Paris 2024 in the group stages, the Matildas were first to draw blood when Caitlin Foord found the back of the net from the penalty spot just before half time.
Hopes of a win were dashed and Geraldine Reuteler found an equaliser on the hour mark.
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But they were lucky to escape with a draw at all after substitute Larina Baumann found the woodwork with a curling shot in the 90th minute.
Caitlin Foord scored from the penalty spot, but was unable to make the most of several other chances. Getty Images for Football Austra
Baumann got the shot away off the back of some sloppy Matildas defence. She had ‘keeper Mackenzie Arnold well beaten.
Smilla Vallotto also blew a chance in the 40th minute, but was outfoxed by Arnold. The Matildas had only four shots on target.
Foord said the playing group could take several positives from their first game back together in three months.
“To get the point tonight I think we’re a little bit disappointed not to come away from the win and we wanted to keep a clean sheet tonight,” Foord told Paramount Plus.
Tom Sermanni’s tenure as interim Matildas coach started with a draw. Getty Images for Football Austra
“A few things that we can work on but I think positive for our first game back together.”
Her goal was her first from the spot in five years.
“It’s always an honour to score for my country and to do it from the penalty spot, it’s something I’ve been working on, so I’m super happy,” she said.
Sermanni was able to blood 18-year-old Daniela Galic, who was brought into the game for Mary Fowler in the 78th minute.
The Matildas will now turn their attention to Germany on Tuesday morning.