The CommBank Matildas kicked off the Joe Montemurro era with a 3-0 win over Slovenia in Perth, in a game which saw Ninja A-League stars Emily Gielnik and Holly McNamara bag themselves a goal each in the comprehensive victory.
Recalled to the squad and named the starting line-up, it took Melbourne Victory forward Gielnik just two minutes to grab herself another international goal as the Matildas capitalised on Slovenia’s inability to clear their lines from an early corner.
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The Matildas had goalkeeper Teagan Micah to thank for keeping their 1-0 lead intact as a series of defensive errors led to Slovenia bearing down on goal, however the Liverpool shot-stopper kept the visitors at bay with a string of smart saves.
Ninja A-League Golden Boot winner McNamara had a good chance to open the scoring in the 65th minute but was thwarted by Slovenian keeper Zala Meršnik however, the Melbourne City starwouldn’t be denied a first-ever Matildas goal as she powered a header past the keeper in the 86th minute to wrap up the win.
McNamara’s maiden Matildas goal came 1,253 days after her debut on January 21, 2022.
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“She’s a player that’s very, very smart in arriving in space,” said Montemurro when asked about McNamara’s performance after the game during his post-match press conference.
“What I mean by that is that she makes her runs very late which is very very hard to mark. I think there were two occasions in the first half, we’d just played a ball underneath the line and she’s come underneath and arrivved very, very late.
“That’s hard to mark, that’s a feeling. You can’t coach that – it’s a feeling.
He continued: “I think the more we put players in these situations the more they can feel to make the right decision and be proactive and brave I think we’ll be better for it.”
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A minute late winger Hayley Raso then put the icing on the cake in the 87th minute as she curled a low effort into the bottom corner to send the fans home happy and secure a 3-0 win for Montemurro’s side.
“Yeah look it happened quite early and quite quick,” smiled Gielnik when speaking to reporters at full-time.
“Every striker wants to score and just being back in the side and back in the starting line-up, it feels good to score for your country.
“But a 3-0 win that’s the most important. But yet, obviously relishing the opportunity and love seeing the ball go in the back of the net.
Competing with McNamara for the Ninja A-League Golden Boot throughout the regular season, Gielnik admitted after the game she’d had plenty of words of encouragement for the City star before they took to the field at HBF Park.
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“I mentioned to her before the match I said today’s the day for you to have a goal,” said Gielnik.
“She’s been in the system now for a little bit every striker, especially being the nine, you want to get the monkey off your back.
“So one was always coming for her and today was the day so I couldn’t be more proud of her.
She went on to say: “She’s (McNamara) extremely versatile, I mean playing against her in the A-League and seeing her form in the A-League, she’s brought that in here.
“You can see that she’s a dangerous player. She’s got speed in behind and that’s what you want from your nine or anyone up front.
“I think we haven’t even seen the best of her. That’s what’s exciting and that’s what’s promising for her and her future. You could see glimpses of that tonight.
She continued: “Her being able to hold up the ball, her being able to take on players and her speed in behind. She’s lethal. I think she’ll get more and more opportunities. I think today was the turning point for her.
“Every striker just needs that first goal so hopefully that was the turning point for her because she’s an exceptional player.”
The Matildas face Slovenia again at the same venue on Saturday night before then taking on Panama in Bunbury on July 5.
