The Matildas have recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory over world number two Sweden in an international friendly at Melbourne's AAMI Park, with Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord scoring twice and providing an assist in front of 22,065 fans.
Foord, who earned her 100th cap for Australia, opened the scoring and then added a stunning second goal in the 51st minute. The goal came after a brilliant run from Kyra Cooney-Cross, who beat three defenders before playing a perfectly weighted pass to Foord, who wrong-footed Elin Rubensson and curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
The 28-year-old, who has played in the USA, Australia and now England with Arsenal, said she felt refreshed after being given time off by coach Tony Gustavsson. 'I'm enjoying myself at the moment, enjoying my football. I've always known I'm at my best when I am enjoying myself,' Foord said after the match.
Gustavsson rested several key players, including Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Mary Fowler, for mid-year friendlies against Spain and Portugal, a decision that drew criticism after a 7-0 defeat to Spain. However, the coach said the rest was necessary to prevent burnout. 'A lot of them were very close to being fatigued and getting injured and burned out. They hadn't had an off-season for years,' he said.
The win continues a strong run for the Matildas, who also beat Denmark recently, and suggests the team is finding form ahead of major tournaments. Foord has now scored five goals in her last three internationals and four for Arsenal this season.
