Australia (2) v (8) Kyrgyzstan
Australia (2) v Kyrgyzstan (8)
By Daniel Wood
THE first match of the inaugural Women's Homeless World Cup saw Australia face off against Kyrgyzstan in an impressive display of skills which ended in Kyrgyzstan defeating the host team.
Kyrgyzstan’s Sharpilova produced an early goal that was closely followed by a successful penalty bringing the score to 2-0.
The Australian goalkeeper started to warm up as she pulled off some tremendous saves, frustrating the strong attacks from the Kyrgyzstan players and helping to build a counter-attack for Australia.
Australia’s forwards took advantage of a loose ball to produce a much needed goal for Australia.
Not to be outdone, Kyrgyzstan’s Sharpilova responded in kind to make the score 3-1. This was quickly followed by another goal for Kyrgyzstan.
A powerful shot at goal from Australia came close but just missed the goal. Kyrgyzstan used their impressive passing skills to convert Australia's penalty attempt into a goal for themselves, making the score 5-1.
Superb footwork and some heated back and forth between the teams left the crowd tensely anticipating the next goal.
Kyrgyzstan opened strongly in the second half but failed to score after three successive strikes. Kyrgyzstan's forwards saw a chance to score with a penalty but Australia's goalkeeper denied them the chance with one of the best saves of the day.
Unfortunately for Australia the relief was short-lived as Takirova slid into a rebounding ball and hit an unstoppable shot for Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan continued to apply the pressure with a 6-1 lead.
Australia challenged Kyrgyzstan with a late goal which motivated the Australian team to push forward.
But Kyrgyzstan's impressive team work and well-rehearsed plays proved too much for Australia as Kyrgyzstan managed another two goals before full time, finishing with an 8-2 lead at the final whistle.