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High flyer Kyah! Simon has final say as Matildas salvage draw against US

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30th November, 2021
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Kyah Simon’s late deflected strike gave the Matildas a 1-1 draw with the top ranked United States in Newcastle on Tuesday, with the hosts surviving another disappointing defensive display.

Simon’s drive from the top of the box on 88 minutes hit a defender and wrong footed US keeper Casery Murphy, who had also excelled when the Americans won the first game in Sydney on Saturday 3-0.

As in that game, where the US scored after 24 seconds, the Matildas conceded another horror opener just minutes into the contest with the same scorer, Ashley Hatch running through a static defence to slot home.

Although the US were the better side and the gulf in class showed throughout, it will be an encouraging result for Australia, who will host the 2023 World Cup at home.

It was only the sixth time in 33 meetings that the Matildas have been able to avoid defeat against the Americans.

It was Australia’s last game before their Swedish coach Tony Gustavsson names a squad for the Asian Cup in January.

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Gustavsson has overseen just three wins from his 16 games in charge, with a total of 37 goals conceded, and defence is clearly a major issue for him to resolve.

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