New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia but lost in-form Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to injury.
The All Whites join already qualified Japan and co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at next year’s finals thanks to three second-half goals.
But the victory in Auckland in the final of Oceania qualifying came at a cost, with skipper Wood suffering what appeared to be a hip injury.
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New Zealand’s Chris Wood goes down injured during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers group final football match between New Zealand and New Caledonia at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on March 24, 2025. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND / AFP)Source: AFP
Soon after half time at Eden Park, Wood hurt himself swivelling for a shot and required treatment before hobbling off in the 54th minute.
“It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well,” said New Zealand’s English coach Darren Bazeley.
The hosts looked out of ideas after dominating the first half, but then up popped veteran defender Michael Boxall on 61 minutes to head home from a corner with his first goal for his country.
Five minutes later Wood’s replacement Kosta Barbarouses chipped the ball over advancing New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine.
Substitute Eli Just put gloss on the scoreline from close range with 10 minutes left.
New Caledonia’s unlikely World Cup hopes are not over and they will go into an intercontinental playoff.
Next year’s World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the first time for the team that won the qualifying competition in Oceania.
The region’s top side previously had to go through an intercontinental playoff, with New Zealand falling at the final hurdle to Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru in recent editions.
New Zealand have been to the World Cup twice before, in 1982 and 2010, but are yet to win at the competition in six matches.
“Once the World Cup expanded we expected this of ourselves,” said Boxall. “It’s not about getting there, it’s about what we do when we get there.”
Chris Wood acknowledges the crowd after their victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Oceania qualifiers group final football match between New Zealand and New Caledonia at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland on March 24, 2025. (Photo by DAVID ROWLAND / AFP)Source: AFP
Facing a side ranked 152 in the world, 63 places below them, hosts New Zealand immediately went on the front foot.
New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory of about 300,000 people which has never been to the World Cup, twice cleared off the line in quick succession after 20 minutes.
Wood, who is in the form of his life at Forest with 18 goals in the Premier League this season, had a chance in the 32nd minute but Nyikeine saved comfortably.
The 33-year-old Wood then headed over the bar from a corner and at the half-time whistle, with the game unexpectedly level, the New Caledonia players mobbed Nyikeine.
Bazeley had seen enough and made two changes at the break, bringing on winger Just and defender Francis de Vries.
Despite losing talisman Wood, New Zealand’s pressure eventually paid off against a rapidly tiring New Caledonia to put the All Whites into the World Cup.
Alphonso Davies scrambled the ball in with seconds left to give Bayern a 3-2 aggregate victory over Celtic and a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
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Bayern started the playoff second leg leading 2-1 from the first game in Glasgow but the visitors cancelled out that lead after 63 minutes.
Nicolas Kuhn, a former Bayern reserve team player, pounced on an error by Kim Min-jae to sweep the ball home.
Bayern dominated and peppered the Celtic goal but could not beat Kasper Schmeichel, until, with regular time almost up, the goalie could only parry Leon Goretzka’s header to substitute Davies. The ball bounced in off the Canadian’s shin to give Bayern a 1-1 draw in the match.
MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 18: Alphonso Davies (C) celebrates with Josip Stanisic (L) and Leon Goretzka (R) of Munich his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
– Feyenoord advance as Hernandez lets down AC Milan –
Feyenoord reached the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday after taking advantage of Theo Hernandez’s damaging sending off to draw 1-1 at AC Milan and go through 2-1 on aggregate.
Julian Carranza thumped home the winning header in the 73rd minute at a frigid San Siro, sending around 5,000 away fans wild at the same ground where Feyenoord won the old European Cup in 1970.
Argentine attacker Carranza, who told reporters he was too sick with fever to start the match, cancelled out Santiago Gimenez’s first-minute opener for the seven-time European champions Milan and sent the Dutch through to meet either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the next round.
The only sour note for Feyenoord was right-back Givairo Read being sent off after the final whistle as tempers flared on the touchline between both sets of players.
“The 25 minutes that I played, or 30, I was not feeling great and I think everyone could see it, because after every single sprint there was coughing,” said Carranza.
“It’s the most important goal I’ve ever scored so I’m really happy for that.” Carranza struck for Feyenoord shortly after coming on as substitute as the away side pushed to reach the next round following Hernandez’s red card five minutes after half-time.
Already on a booking for a needless foul on Anis Hadj-Moussa just before half-time, Hernandez was ruled by referee Szymon Marciniak to have dived in the penalty box when under pressure from Read.
– Hernandez horror show –
The France full-back, who went close to putting Milan ahead in the 23rd minute when he crashed a close-range effort off the post, was dismissed, leaving Milan on the back foot after having dominated up to that point.
Hernandez’s sending off and Carranza’s tie-winning header ruined what looked to be Gimenez’s night when he nodded home the opener against his old team after just 36 seconds.
Mexico forward Gimenez, who transferred to Milan from Feyenoord during the winter transfer window, pushed the ball home from practically on the line after Malick Thiaw did brilliantly to keep in Christian Pulisic’s cross.
“Yes, today Theo was sent off but that could happen to anyone. That’s football,” said Gimenez to Sky.
“We all have great respect for Theo and we ask that he is supported because he always gives everything for Milan and is one of the best full-backs in the world “Now we can’t look back, we have to look forward. We’re still in the (Italian) cup and have work to do in the league so all we can do is keep our heads down and work hard.”
The 23-year-old Gimenez has already scored three times for Milan since signing from Feyenoord but his sixth goal in the Champions League this season was also his last.
Milan coach Sergio Conceicao was quick to deflect blame away from Hernandez. “You can talk about whether Theo was touched or not but we need to be stronger emotionally and mentally,” said Conceicao.
“This elimination is down to me, not Theo or anyone else. I’m the one who’s responsible. Theo has given a lot to Milan.” Milan are by no means assured of a spot in next year’s tournament as they sit seventh in Serie A, five points off the top four with a game in hand.
And their season has been greatly compromised by the dismal way they lost the first leg in Rotterdam and Hernandez’s poor discipline which led to Tuesday’s painful elimination.
– Benfica hold off Monaco –
Benfica snatched a nailbiting 3-3 draw against Monaco on Tuesday to reach the Champions League last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the play-off round.
Monaco twice led on the night and came close to forcing extra-time but Orkun Kokcu’s 84th minute equaliser helped Benfica scrape through in Lisbon, with Barcelona or Liverpool awaiting in the next round.
Kerem Akturkoglu put the hosts ahead against the run of play, with Takumi Minamino levelling for Monaco after 32 minutes.
Eliesse Ben Seghir fired the visitors ahead but Vangelis Pavlidis struck from the spot to keep the score tied on the night.
French youngster George Ilenikhena netted in the 81st minute for Monaco but Kokcu prodded home to send Benfica through.
“It was a tough night, we knew Monaco would put pressure on us from the start and we felt it, we didn’t play our best game,” Kokcu told SportTV.
“Still, we’re happy to have progressed to the last 16, I’m happy to have contributed to the result.”
Monaco hammered Nantes 7-1 on Saturday in the French top flight, sharpening their pencils ahead of their crucial exam at the Estadio da Luz.
Both sides were without key players through injury and suspension, with Benfica missing Angel Di Maria among others, while Monaco started with just one recognised midfielder.
Wingers Maghnes Akliouche and Ben Seghir played more centrally than usual and both shone in Lisbon, despite ending up on the losing side.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made a good save to deny Monaco’s Krepin Diatta early on, as the Ligue 1 side looked to get back on level terms in the tie and had the better of the first half.
However it was the hosts who took the lead after superb work by Benfica striker Pavlidis.
The Greek attacker, who netted a hat-trick against Barcelona in the group stage, turned provider on this occasion and, after darting into the area, crossed to the back post for Akturkoglu to turn home.
Swiss international Breel Embolo almost levelled for Monaco but his header hit the post, although the visitors netted less than a minute later.
Embolo did well to hold off veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, allowing former Liverpool attacker Minamino room for a shot and he drilled home at the near post.
Monaco should have taken the lead just before half-time but Embolo fired a glorious chance high over the crossbar after the impressive Akliouche surged through the middle and teed him up.
– ‘A lot of fight’ –
The Moroccan winger produced a deadly accurate first-time finish inside the near post after Akliouche cut the ball back to him from the right.
Bruno Lage’s side struggled to find a foothold in the match but Thilo Kehrer handed the hosts a lifeline when he went to clear the ball but arrived late and kicked Fredrik Aursnes in the box.
Pavlidis, who netted the only goal of the first leg, powered home from the spot for his seventh of the tournament.
Ilenikhena put Monaco back ahead on the night mere seconds after coming on from the bench, with Trubin unable to keep his low rifled effort out despite getting a hand to it.
Adi Hutter’s side could not hold on for more than three minutes, with Alvaro Carreras firing in a dangerous cross which Benfica midfielder Kokcu flicked home.
Benfica were awarded another penalty in stoppage time when Diatta seemed to bring down Samuel Dahl, but the referee changed his mind after a VAR review.
“What made the difference today was 100 percent the team’s spirit, with a lot of fight,” said Dahl.
“The game had its ups and downs, they attacked, we attacked… in the end, we scored three goals.
“We also conceded three, but we advanced, which was the main objective.”
– Club Brugge knock Atalanta out –
Club Brugge of Belgium claimed a shock 3-1 win over Atalanta in Italy on Tuesday to win their Champions League play-off tie 5-2 on aggregate and progress to the last 16.
Leading 2-1 from last week’s first leg, Club Brugge scored three times in the first half with Chemsdine Talbi netting twice and Ferran Jutgla once.
Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta but the Belgians go through to play either Lille or Aston Villa next.
Playing in their first Champions League knockout game since 2017, Arsenal fell 1-0 to Porto in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash after a stoppage-time screamer from Galeno.
And despite dominating possession, Arsenal were on the back foot early – and indeed almost certainly should have conceded – when Francisco Conceição crossed the ball from the right side.
It fell to Brazilian winger Galeno, who had a golden chance to open the scoring in the 23rd minute. But his shot rattled the post and when it rebounded to him, his second effort from just four yards out was sent wide of the goal.
But in a game sorely lacking in quality, Galeno pulled off a moment of magic in stoppage time, driving forward from 35 yards out before beautifully curling the ball into the top corner.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Napoli drew 1-1.
35-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski scored Barcelona’s first goal in the knockout stages since Lionel Messi in 2021 – 1,078 days ago – before Victor Osimhen equalised for the reigning Italian champions late in the match.
Galeno curled in a sublime stoppage-time strike as FC Porto defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Portugal on Wednesday.
Appearing in a first knockout match in Europe’s premier club competition for seven years, Arsenal struggled to break down an organised Porto defence before Galeno’s last-gasp stroke of brilliance.
The defeat ended Arsenal’s eight-game unbeaten run against Portuguese opposition and leaves Mikel Arteta’s side with plenty of work to do in the return leg in London next month.
Arteta stuck with the same starting line-up for the third game in succession following his team’s 5-0 demolition of Burnley at the weekend.
Porto defender Pepe, who turns 41 next week and is the oldest outfield player in Champions League history, made his 119th appearance in the competition.
By comparison, Arsenal’s starters had combined for a total of 104 before kick-off at the Estadio do Dragao.
While short on Champions League experience, Arteta has said his squad have the belief they can mix it with Europe’s best.
The Gunners have started the new year with five successive wins in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in those games, and are firmly in the race for a first title since 2004.
As well as reigning supreme in England for the first time in 20 years, the north Londoners are convinced they can also conquer Europe, spurred on further by the prospect of a Wembley final.
Arsenal have never won the Champions League — losing their only final appearance against Barcelona in 2006.
Porto, European champions in 1987 and 2004, are a disappointing third in Portugal this term, but frustrated Arsenal throughout.
Ganelo missed an absolute sitter – twice.Source: Supplied
RETURNING STAR SAVES NAPOLI
Victor Osimhen made a special return to action for Napoli on Wednesday after his goal gave the Italian champions a 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Nigeria forward Osimhen rolled home the leveller with 15 minutes left of the first leg at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in his first match since returning from the African Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old equalised Robert Lewandowski’s 60th-minute opener, which seemed likely to be the decisive goal as Barca were for long periods the better team. Even so, it was his team’s first shot on target.
Osimhen had last played for Napoli in a 2-0 defeat at Roma just before Christmas, when he was one of two players from his team to be sent off.
His ninth club goal of the season came at a crucial time, not just in the match but in Napoli’s campaign as they play under their third manager of the season in Francesco Calzona.
Calzona had less than 48 hours to prepare for his first match in charge after replacing Walter Mazzarri on Monday night, and Osimhen gave Napoli a chance of progressing despite a disjointed performance by his team.
Napoli head into next month’s second leg in the Catalan capital knowing that they with Osimhen in the team there is always a chance of a goal regardless of the overall team display.
For Barca meanwhile it was the latest misstep of a complicated campaign at the end of which coach Xavi will leave, assuming president Joan Laporta doesn’t sack the coach before then.
The away side had the better chances but couldn’t put Napoli away and could yet pay for their wastefulness
Fifty years ago today, the Socceroos booked their place in the FIFA World Cup for the very first time, with Jimmy Mackay scoring a wonder-goal against the Korea Republic to punch Australia’s ticket to the 1974 tournament.
Australia wouldn’t appear at another men’s World Cup until 2006, but have qualified for every tournament since.
On Thursday night against Bangladesh, the Socceroos take the first step in the road to the next World Cup – in 2026, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
It will be a long journey for the Socceroos to reach a sixth-straight World Cup, though major changes to the qualification format should make things easier for Australia.
But the Socceroos still have plenty of challenges to address – and the next 12 months could prove crucial.
The 2026 tournament will be expanded from 32 teams to a whopping 48 for the first time ever, something which provides a major boost for Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nations including Australia.
The number of automatic qualification spots for the AFC will rise from four to eight – plus one more spot for the winner of a playoff against teams from other confederations – resulting in a shake-up in the qualifying format.
In this round, 36 teams were divided into nine groups of four teams. Australia’s group features Palestine, Lebanon, and Bangladesh, with the Socceroos to play each of them home and away.
Australia will play two matches this month, two in March 2024, and the final two in June.
The Socceroos must finish in the top two teams of this four-nation group to progress to the next stage, while a top-two finish also ensures qualification to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
In the next round, 18 teams (winners and runners up from the nine groups in this round) will be split into three groups of six.
The Socceroos would then play the other five teams in home-and-away games, beginning in September 2024. Finishing in the top two of the group after those ten matches ensures direct qualification to the World Cup.
But if the Socceroos finish in third or fourth in that next stage, they would then be put into a group of three teams. Australia would play the other two teams once each, with the group winner qualifying for the Cup.
Finish runner-up of the three teams and Australia would then be forced into a do-or-die series of playoffs, first against another AFC team then against nations from other confederations.
Effectively, the Socceroos will be aiming to qualify in 16 games – six at this stage, and 10 at the next.
It’s not quite as long as the 1,008 day, 20-match road to qualifying for Qatar 2022, or the 22-game road to Russia 2018 – where they clocked up over 240,000 kilometres in travel and played more games than any other qualifying nation.
But even with the changes to the qualifying format, crisscrossing Asia for 16 games is still one of the longest qualification journeys for a World Cup.
However, there is another major difference from last time around: the Socceroos will now get to play far more matches on home soil now Covid-19 border restrictions have eased.
As Arnold said: “It’s been a really, really long time since we played here in Australia. You know, I was looking just the other day, in my reign of 44 matches, we’ve only played nine games here in Australia. So we’ve been away a long time and played a lot of football away from home.”
Irvine similarly stated: “I think for us, one of the most important things is having the chance to play in Australia, in front of our home fans again.
“I think over the last five years this is maybe the ninth or 10th game we’ve played at home, which in the context of a qualifying campaign is barely anything.
“So we don’t take these experiences for granted to play in front of our home fans.”
The greater number of qualifying spots on offer for Asia, and the new-look format, should make qualifying for 2026 significantly easier for the Socceroos.
There are more chances for redemption if they slip up and can’t finish right at the top of their group at each stage, while the larger number of groups should spread the higher-ranked teams around – meaning more matches against lower-ranked opposition.
But there is no doubt that despite the new format and the benefit of more home matches, the road to a place in the 2026 World Cup will not be an easy one.
Captain Maty Ryan said: “It’s a long journey and a gruelling one, but the fruits at the end of it are so sweet that you have no worries in confronting them and doing all you can to reach the end goal of playing in the World Cup.”
Mathew Leckie celebrates the winner against Denmark at the 2022 World Cup.Source: AFP
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST WORLD CUP – AND SINCE?
The Socceroos enjoyed a historic performance in Qatar last year.
They led reigning champions and eventual runners-up France in their first group game before losing 4-1, but rebounded to beat Tunisia 1-0. Then they overcame Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark 1-0 to make it out of the group stage.
They then fell 2-1 to eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16 despite a stellar performance where they even came close to equalising in injury time through teen sensation Garang Kuol.
Nevertheless, securing two group-stage wins was a first in Australian men’s history, and the clean sheets in both wins were also impressive and rare – not since 1974 had the Socceroos kept a World Cup clean sheet.
The win over world number 10 Denmark was also the first time the Socceroos had beaten a top-ten nation at the WC.
Mitchell Duke shakes hands with Lionel Messi after the Round of 16 defeat.Source: Getty Images
The Socceroos played with tenacity – that oft-spoken-about Australian fighting spirit – but were also tactically excellent, with renowned French publication L’Equipe naming coach Graham Arnold the best of any manager at the tournament.
“L’Equipe is one of the most respected and one of the harshest markers of games, coaches, players you name it,” former Socceroo Robbie Slater said at the time. “They’re the most respected in all of Europe.”
It also saw the Socceroos surge up the rankings by 11 places into 27th, their best spot since September 2012 (25th).
Arnold, having been on the brink of being sacked just six months before the World Cup after the struggling Socceroos missed out on direct qualification and were forced into the intercontinental playoffs, was handed a new deal to remain in charge through to the 2026 tournament.
Since then, he has set the Socceroos on a brutal path – facing off against some of the world’s toughest teams in a series of testing friendlies.
They faced Ecuador (#41) in a pair of fixtures in March, battled Lionel Messi’s Argentina (#1) in June, clashed with Mexico (#12) in September, before last month facing England (#4) at Wembley Stadium and New Zealand (#104).
Socceroos claim Ashes after NZ victory | 02:03
If the 2022 World Cup proved the Socceroos deserved to be on the world stage, that run of fixtures was deliberately designed to take the team to the next level, to be able to compete against the elite.
It was a rare opportunity for the Socceroos, who have struggled to squeeze friendly matches into their packed schedule in the past.
And while the results were mixed – there were wins over Ecuador and New Zealand, a sloppy draw with Mexico and three losses – far more important was the opportunity to experiment with new tactics and line-ups, with Arnold handing out a host of debuts to young talents.
“We’ve had the opportunity to test ourselves against some of world football’s best in the last six months, and our performances have shown just how effective we can be, learning a lot along the way,” Arnold said last week.
“It was a chance to grow as a group, providing opportunities to younger players in preparation for the start of the 2026 World Cup qualification cycle.
“Those performances have not only shown what we’re capable of, but reinforced a strong belief within this group as we begin an extremely important period.”
Now, the trialling phase is over. The Socceroos must turn their minds to victory – because the next few months aren’t just about World Cup qualification.
As Arnold said: “Now? It’s a World Cup qualifier. I think that experimenting is over, now it’s all about getting the tactics right, getting the players on the pitch, getting their performances right, and winning those games at all costs.”
Souttar hilariously tries to claim goal | 00:37
THE ASIAN CUP
The Asian Cup will take place from 12 January to 10 February next year, and the Socceroos will rightly believe they are contenders for just a second title after their 2015 win on home soil.
The tournament was meant to be held in China in July of this year, but that nation relinquished hosting rights last year due to Covid-19. Qatar eventually won the rights but – just like last year’s World Cup – scorching mid-year temperatures forced the rescheduling of the tournament to the cooler months.
That is arguably a blessing for the Socceroos, who have now used the additional time to squeeze in the aforementioned run of high-quality friendly matches.
But it also means that the Socceroos cannot simply focus on the longer term goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and reshaping the squad to be ready for that tournament.
They must focus on the here and now – something that is also true of the Olyroos, Australia’s Under-23 team which will compete in the U23 Asian Cup in April next year. That tournament doubles as qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the Olyroos needing to finish in the top three to directly qualify, while fourth place plays off against an African team for another berth.
The Olyroos finished third at the 2020 U-23 Asian Cup to book their place at the Tokyo Olympics, the first time the men’s team had competed at the Olympics since 2008.
While they failed to make it out of their group, their development was crucial – especially given Socceroos coach Graham Arnold took on the Olyroos coaching role in a deliberate attempt to guide a new generation into Socceroos.
That approach was remarkably successful: nine of the Olyroos that featured at the 2020 Olympics went on to play at the 2022 World Cup with the senior side (10 if you count Mitchell Duke, who competed at the Olympics as a designated overage player).
As the Socceroos progress towards the 2026 World Cup, the squad will naturally need to bring in fresh faces, just as they did before the last World Cup. The development of the Olyroos, who play a similar style as the senior team – could prove crucial in that regard.
That’s why the next 12 months looms as a crucial period for both the Olyroos and the Socceroos – and not just because both teams will be contending for major silverware.
As Jackson Irvine said: “Of course this is the beginning of a long journey, but it can also be viewed as a short preparation for what’s coming in January.”
While the road to the 2026 World Cup is just beginning, Graham Arnold needs to balance competitiveness now with the long-term future of the squad. It’s hardly an enviable task.
The Socceroos are chasing a second Asian Cup title after their 2015 success.Source: News Corp Australia
THE SQUAD
Arnold’s squad for Thursday’s clash with Bangladesh and next week’s meeting with Palestine is largely unchanged from last month’s fixtures, with just four changes to the 23-player unit.
Veteran defender Milos Degenek was dropped after struggling for game-time at Red Star Belgrade, as is goalkeeper Tom Glover at Middlesbrough. Winger Awer Mabil was dropped, as was another gloveman in Andrew Redmayne.
The squad is a mix of youth and experience – which very much sums up the current state of play for Graham Arnold’s side.
Arnold said last month before the matches against England and New Zealand: “We are going through a bit more of a rebuild situation at the moment. When you look at the squad overall, there are 11 players who’ve had less than 10 caps, there’s five or six players that have had between 11 and 20.”
There’s been significant turnover in the last 12 months, with just nine members of the squad having competed at the World Cup in Qatar.
Midfield stalwart Aaron Mooy retired, while Nathaniel Atkinson and Riley McGree are both injured.
Australia’s midfield general Aaron Mooy has retired.Source: AFP
But a number of other players from Qatar are struggling for form or match minutes at club level, including Degenek and Bailey Wright, or Ajdin Hrustic who was arguably Australia’s best player in the qualification road to Qatar but now can’t get a game at Hellas Verona in Italy.
It’s clear from the number of debuts handed out in recent months that Arnold is looking towards the future and attempting to increase the depth of the squad – something he also prioritised when he took over after the 2018 World Cup, when a host of retirements including the likes of Tim Cahill and Mile Jedinak forced a generational shift in the squad.
Arnold used 68 different players in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup – and it would hardly be surprising if he exceeds that number this time around.
Seven players have already debuted in 2023, while 37 have been used in total. In the current squad, there are two uncapped players – Portsmouth striker Kusini Yengi and goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer of Charlton Athletic.
Maynard-Brewer is one of two young goalkeepers called up in place of more experienced heads like 34-year-old Andrew Redmayne. Maynard-Brewer was included in the September squad for the Mexico match but has not yet debuted for the Socceroos. Joe Gauci also returns to the set-up, having debuted against Ecuador in March before being left out of the past couple of squads while his Adelaide United waited for the new A-League season to begin.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer in action against Manchester United in January.Source: Getty Images
The pair of young talents (at 24 and 23 years old respectively) are viewed as the likely long-term successors to captain Maty Ryan. The 31-year-old remains in fine form with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands and has a monopoly on the number one jersey at present, but ensuring the next generation of keepers are ready to step up is crucial, especially given the ever-present threat of injuries.
At the opposite end of the park is an equally pressing need to find long-term solutions. Yengi is one of four strikers included, alongside veterans Mitch Duke (30 caps), Jamie Maclaren (30) and Brandon Borrello (9). But with Duke 32 years old and McLaren 30, the need to plan for the future in the number nine role – arguably the position where the Socceroos have struggled for depth the most in recent years – is clear.
It’s a similar story with the rest of the attacking unit. Craig Goodwin is turning 32 next month, Martin Boyle is 30, while absent veteran Mathew Leckie is 32. While they are key contributors now – and could prove vital to a good run at the Asian Cup in January – how many will still be part of the team should Australia qualify for the World Cup in 2026?
Samuel Silvera (23) and Brandon Borrello (28) are in this squad, while Awer Mabil (28) is missing – but there’s no shortage of younger attacking talent waiting in the wings for their chance. Garang Kuol already has five caps at age 19, while Marco Tilio (22) also featured at the World Cup last year. Yengi (24) can also be deployed on the wing.
Garang Kuol scored his first Socceroos goal against Ecuador earlier this year, but hasn’t made the current squad.Source: Getty Images
Mohamed Toure (19) earned his debut against England last month, while fellow teen sensation Nestory Irankunda (17) is set for a move to German giants Bayern Munich and has also trained with the Socceroos squad in the past.
Socceroos veteran and Toure’s former Adelaide United captain Craig Goodwin told Foxsports.com.au after that debut last month: “He’s someone with massive potential.
“He’s someone that in my opinion could be the Socceroos’ striker for the next 10 years.”
While they may not be in the team this time around – and might not become regular fixtures until later in the World Cup qualification journey – there’s no doubt that the kids are coming.
And with three years and at least 16 games on the road to the next World Cup, the young guns will get their chance.
For now, though, the Socceroos must start winning.
Bayern Munich crashed out of the German Cup in the second round for the third time in four years after a remarkable 2-1 loss at third-division Saarbruecken on Thursday (AEDT), thanks to a last-minute winner from Marcel Gaus.
Bayern opened the scoring early through veteran Thomas Mueller, but the home side equalised in first-half injury time through Patrick Sontheimer.
With the scores locked at 1-1 and the match looking destined for extra time, defender Gaus netted in the sixth minute of injury time to grab his team a famous victory.
Bayern, who travel to Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, also lost central defender Matthijs de Ligt to a potentially serious knee injury early in the match, leaving the side with only one fit centre-back.
Six-time Cup winner Mueller looked to have Bayern on the right track for a routine victory at their less-fancied opponents, before De Ligt injured his knee in a tussle soon after and signalled immediately to the bench.
Saarbruecken’s players celebrate Marcel Gaus’ late winner. (Photo by Jean-Christophe VERHAEGEN / AFP)Source: AFPSaarbruecken’s players couldn’t believe the feat they’d just pulled off. (Photo by Jean-Christophe VERHAEGEN / AFP)Source: AFPThomas Muller couldn’t believe Bayern had been dumped out by a third-tier side. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The injury left forced midfielder Joshua Kimmich into defence and appeared to put Bayern on the back foot against a resurgent Saarbruecken.
The hosts struck next, Sontheimer tapping in a pass from Lukas Boeder after Saarbruecken pressed midfielder Frans Kraetzig into a mistake.
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel brought on the calvary, including Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, but star striker Harry Kane stayed on the bench.
With the England captain warming up ahead of what looked like certain extra time, veteran defender Gaus popped up with a moment that will go down in Saarbruecken history.
Tony Gustavsson opted to name an unchanged lineup against Sweden and although they put in a valiant effort against the European side, it was evident they were physically spent.
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at how every player performed in Matildas Player Ratings!
Was called into action within the opening 60 seconds to deny Blackstenius from close range, getting down low to her right to pull off an impressive save.
Arnold also came agonisingly close to keeping Rolfo’s penalty out as she guessed the right way but just couldn’t get a fingertip on the ball.
She also got a hand to Asllani’s goal yet it wasn’t strong enough to keep it out of the net.
Made some key claims off crosses and did well to keep the scoreline down to just two goals as Sweden constantly hit the Aussies on the transition.
Steph Catley – 5.5
The toll of getting up and down the left side seemingly took its toll on the vice-captain.
Catley had a couple of sloppy passes at the beginning that allowed Sweden to pile on the pressure.
However, she made up for those with some vital interventions throughout and did extremely well to put in a sliding challenge late in the game, highlighting her never-say-die attitude.
Clare Polkinghorne – 5
The veteran defender was caught napping at the back on a handful of occasions and her lack of pace proved harmful at times.
However, her physical presence was vital and she won a number of clearing headers.
Substituted off in the 73rd minute for Courtney Nevin.
Clare Hunt – 6.5
Hunt had a costly loss of concentration when she clipped Blackstenius in the box, although some may argue it was a penalty on the softer side of things.
However, the defender was outstanding in several other moments throughout, producing last-ditch tackles or closing down Sweden’s attackers before calmly distributing the ball.
There was little she could do for the last goal as a swarm of yellow shirts came running towards her.
Clare Hunt displayed poise at the back except for a costly penalty. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)Source: AFP
Ellie Carpenter – 6
After a disappointing night against England, Carpenter bounced back and put in an impressive shift against Sweden.
She enjoyed plenty of trademark runs down the right but also did well to hold her run and put her defensive duties first.
It still wasn’t close to what we know Carpenter is capable of, but it was definitely an improved performance from the semi final.
Came off in the 73rd minute for Alex Chidiac.
Katrina Gorry – 5.5
Got into a brief push-and-shove with Sweden skipper Kosovare Asllani which was her main highlight of the first half.
Was perhaps a little guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and diving into tackles needlessly, allowing Swedish players to easily get past her.
But ‘Mini’ still showed plenty of bite in the midfield and led the team with four tackles.
Substituted off in the 60th minute for Emily van Egmond.
Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5
The silky midfielder looked the goods once again, bursting past her marker and into space before passing the ball.
But she was once again tasked with covering perhaps too much space and was overran by Sweden on the counter-attack which isn’t exactly her fault.
Overall, it was another gusty display from the 21-year-old who has no doubt earned plenty of admirers overseas.
Cooney-Cross was never afraid to put a challenge in. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)Source: AFP
Mary Fowler – 6
Fowler truly is a joy to watch with the ball at her feet.
Her control of the ball is unlike any other in the Matildas team and it came in clutch on multiple occasions, dribbling her way through yellow shirts in positions when it seemed impossible.
But it also came at a cost, as Sweden would break rapidly after snatching the ball off Fowler.
She was forced to drop deeper and deeper to pick up the ball but it also resulted in her having to make several defensive plays, not an ideal scenario for the Matildas’ attacking midfielder.
Having run absurd amounts in the previous games, it was evident Fowler was knackered towards the end.
Caitlin Foord – 5
The Arsenal forward sadly didn’t look as dominant out on the left as she usually has at this tournament.
Again, Foord would drive at her opposite number in Nathalie Bjorn before looking to cut inside, but those opportunities came few and far between.
Hayley Raso – 6
The ribbon-wearing winger was relentless going up and down the right flank and even the left side too for a brief period in the first half.
Raso also had the Matildas’ best chance in the first half when she brought down a cross from Ellie Carpenter and tried to squeeze it past Zecira Musovic at her near post but was denied.
Substituted off at the hour mark for Cortnee Vine.
Sam Kerr – 5
Kerr zipped around the field and didn’t look like she was hampered by any lingering effects of her calf injury.
Sadly for the Aussie skipper, the rest of her teammates didn’t possess her freshness.
Although Kerr had some solid touches to link up play with her teammates, she struggled to get properly involved and her role slowly diminished the longer the game went on.
Went down midway through the second half clutching at her calf and had to briefly go off, but showed plenty of character to return to the field and see out the game for her nation.
Kerr’s calf flared up towards the end. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SUBSTITUTES
Cortnee Vine – 5
Came on for Hayley Raso in the 60th minute.
The red-headed speedster entered the contest just before Sweden added their second goal of the game.
Vine had a handful of successful moments getting past the Swedish backline but her role seemed to transform into a wing-back as it appeared the Aussies went to three in defence.
The change in role practically prevented Vine from using her most devastating qualities where she is most dangerous.
Emily van Egmond – 5
Came on for Katrina Gorry in the 60th minute.
Van Egmond was added to provide some extra attacking spark but ended up playing too deep, meaning she was too often tasked with trying to unlock a low Swedish block.
Alex Chidiac – 5
Came on for Ellie Carpenter in the 73rd minute.
Chidiac had a tough role given she came on when the team was 2-0 down.
It never looked like Chidiac had a structured role in the time she was on as the Matildas chased the game.
Courtney Nevin – 5
Came on for Clare Polkinghorne in the 73rd minute.
Nevin was thrown on for her first minutes of the tournament and seemingly played several different roles across the backline.
Didn’t exactly make much of an impact but can take solace that no goals were conceded after she came on.
The idea another World Cup could be a bridge too far for a host of Matildas veterans made Wednesday’s crushing 3-1 loss to England a “tough one to swallow” for Katrina Gorry.
At 31, Gorry is among seven players aged over 30 in coach Tony Gustavsson’s current squad, many of whom were crucial to the two-year build-up to a home World Cup where glory was within touching distance before the loss to the Lionesses.
Gorry said while the entire group was feeling the pain of defeat, after the entire country rallied behind the Australian team, some would realise it was their best chance at tasting World Cup success.
“Everyone’s gonna be hurting. I think the veterans probably more – we don’t really have another World Cup in us,” Gorry said after the game.
“It sucks. A lot of emotions. It’s a tough one to swallow at the moment.”
Katrina Gorry’s chance at World Cup glory is over. Picture: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesSource: Supplied
Veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne, 34, Tameka Yallop, 32, back-up goalkeeper Lydia Williams, 35, and the injured Kyah Simon, 32, are among the squad’s oldest players.
Even star skipper Sam Kerr, who is 29, Steph Catley, 29, Caitlin Foord, 28, Alanna Kennedy, 28, Hayley Raso, 28, and Emily van Egmond, 30, may not be at the peak of their powers, or even playing, when the 2027 World Cup comes around.
The emergence of the next generation of stars like 21-year-old Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross, who is also only 21, loom as the nucleus of the team going forward and building blocks for future success.
Catley, who has every intention of playing for a little bit longer to “push for some more trophies”, said the learning experience for the squad throughout the tournament would help sustain the Matildas’ success.
“It does take a while and I think we’ve made enough quarter-finals, enough round of 16s,” she said.
“You learn a lot from those moments and some of these young girls that have just stepped in and they‘ve now played in a semi-final, they’re gonna learn so much and they’re gonna be so much more prepared for the next time it comes around and that’s something that a lot of us haven’t had.
Emily Van-Egmond might not make the next World Cup. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“So the fact that they‘ve got that now so early in their careers is massive.
“Some of the players that we’ve seen come through: Mary, Kyra, the way they’ve performed, Clare Hunt, there’s so many.
“They just stepped up – they look so ready, they’ve got long careers ahead of them and hopefully we’re developing loads more girls that can come in and step in when they need to.
“Hopefully, us old ducks can hold on a little bit longer and push for some more trophies.”
The USA progressed to the Round of 16 at this year’s World Cup, although if it wasn’t for a goalpost they would have likely been making their earliest-ever exit from the tournament.
The scoreless draw with Portugal was a wake-up call for USWNT and star forward Megan Rapinoe fronted media after Tuesday’s game to explain what may have been behind the underwhelming performance.
When a reporter questioned whether the team wanted more from the game, Rapinoe didn’t seem too impressed.
“What are you digging for here? I mean of course you want to win every game obviously but ultimately we don’t want to be going home …we’re alright,” she said.
Things only got more awkward though when the reporter made a mistake, reminding Rapinoe the last time the USA finished second in a group they still went on to win the tournament.
“Japan won in 2011 actually,” Rapinoe said in response.
“We did make it to the final but if you want to get to the final you have to get through the group stage I guess.”
\Nothing about their performances so far suggests the holders will find it easy on Sunday in Melbourne if they do indeed face the Swedes, who finished third at the last World Cup.
The USA will also be without key midfielder Rose Lavelle, who will serve a one-game ban after picking up two bookings in the last two matches.
“We could be going home, so we just need to keep perspective,” said Megan Rapinoe, another veteran of the 2015 and 2019 campaigns, who came off the bench against Portugal.
“I feel like I have never been in a tournament, even in 2019, where you just think you are doing amazing all the time and just flying.
“We are through to the next round and that is the most important thing, and we have got four or five days and then we have got a real game.”
Not everything has gone to plan for the USA. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Vlatko Andonovski says it would be “insane” to question the mentality of his United States team but admitted their 0-0 draw with Portugal was “not good enough”.
The holders only needed a point against the World Cup debutants at Eden Park to advance but they produced a lacklustre performance and almost lost in injury time when Ana Capeta hit the post.
Defeat would have led to the USA being eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage for the first time and their displays throughout the first round have been nowhere near the levels expected.
Having beaten Vietnam 3-0 and come from behind to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands, the USA finish second in Group E behind the Dutch and will most likely meet Sweden next.
US legend Carli Lloyd was shocked by what she saw.
Portugal almost pulled it off. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I am not seeing that passion. I am just seeing a very lacklustre, uninspiring, taking it for granted,” said Lloyd, now a pundit for Fox Sports.
Andonovski, who replaced Jill Ellis as coach after the 2019 triumph and has brought a squad to New Zealand featuring 14 World Cup debutants, staunchly defended his players.
“This team wanted to win this game more than anything else,” he said. “They put everything they could into preparation for this tournament. To question the mentality and willingness of this team to win and compete I think is insane.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and they can say whatever they want, but I just know how this team feels.
“It is not like we played well by any means. We owned it, we know it’s not good enough, we are not happy with our performance, but we qualify for the next round and we are moving on.”
Netherlands demolish Vietnam by 7 goals | 01:13
The United States are chasing an unprecedented third title in a row but they have looked far from the force that has so long dominated international women’s football.
The only other time in Women’s World Cup history in which they have failed to top their group was in 2011, when they lost the final on penalties to Japan.
They have never before won just one group game. On the way to lifting the trophy four years ago in France they scored 18 goals without reply while winning all three group matches.
Lloyd, who scored a hat-trick as the USA won the 2015 final against Japan and came off the bench in the 2019 final, also questioned why players were smiling and dancing on the pitch at full-time.
“I have never witnessed something like that. You are lucky not to be going home right now,” she said.
Lloyd also pondered why veteran defender Kelley O’Hara was seen delivering a passionate speech to her teammates on the pitch instead of her coach.
“Cleary she isn’t happy and it is a bit concerning that Vlatko Andonovski isn’t doing that,” she said.
DENMARK COACH WARNS PRESSURE ON AUSTRALIA IN LAST 16 CLASH
Lars Sondergaard said the pressure is on co-hosts Australia in front of a packed house after his Denmark side reached the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 28 years.
The Danes set up a date with Australia in the last 16 after a 2-0 win over debutants Haiti to take second place in Group D behind England.
They will face Australia in front of a partisan sellout crowd in Sydney on Monday, but Sondergaard said: “Anything can be decided in those kinds of cup games, anything can happen.
“We have a pretty good defence, we have a player like Pernille (Harder) who can decide games.
“So we have a pretty good chance. We know it is going to be difficult but we are looking forward to the game. We are going to see it as a fantastic experience.”
The coach added: “The whole nation are standing behind them. That’s important for them, but it could also be pressure when the game goes into the second half and it’s still 0-0, and anything can happen.”
The pressure is on the Matildas. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
Skipper Harder, the undoubted star of the Denmark team and whose first-half penalty put them on the way to victory over Haiti, said her side will not settle for merely reaching the last 16.
“I’m so proud of the girls, proud of the team that we made it through the group stages,” said the Bayern Munich attacker.
“It’s a long time since a Danish team did that at the World Cup so I couldn’t be more proud for the hard work that we put in and I am also excited for the next game.
“It’ll be a full stadium with a lot of Australians in it, so it will be an experience for us and it’s something I’m looking forward to.”
“But of course we are also hungry for more,” added Harder, who also had a second goal against Haiti harshly chalked off after a VAR review.
Australia’s skipper and talismanic striker Sam Kerr is expected to return from a calf injury to make her debut at this World Cup.
Harder knows Kerr well, having played with her at Chelsea before her recent move to Germany.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her, but not playing against her,” she said.
Arsenal regained pole position in the Premier League title race on Saturday as the Gunners fought back for a thrilling 4-2 victory at Aston Villa, while Manchester City were held to a damaging 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Just three days after surrendering first place with a 3-1 defeat against City, Arsenal bounced back in impressive style to move two points clear of the champions.
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With just minutes left at Villa Park, Mikel Arteta’s side were in danger of slipping up again in their bid to win the title for the first time since 2004.
Arsenal twice trailed to goals from Ollie Watkins and Philippe Coutinho, only for Bukayo Saka and then Oleksandr Zinchenko to haul them level.
Deep into second half stoppage-time, Arsenal received a helping hand from their former keeper as Emiliano Martinez inadvertently deflected Jorginho’s shot into his own net after it hit the bar.
Gabriel Martinelli capped Arsenal’s remarkable escape when he tapped into the empty net in the final seconds after Martinez was caught upfield at a Villa corner.
“We are back with more belief than before because you have to turn performances into results,” Arteta said.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta celebrates with the travelling Gunners support after a crucial win against Aston Villa. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Win in any context. We’ve always talked about that. Today we had a really difficult context, especially with what happened after five minutes.
“The team showed a lot of emotional qualities that are needed. I’m really happy.”
Arsenal’s first victory in five games in all competitions will give them renewed belief they can pip City to the title.
The Gunners, who have a game in hand on the champions, were given a massive boost by their title rivals’ stumble just hours later.
CITY LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES AS PLUCKY FOREST FRUSTRATE
Bernardo Silva put Pep Guardiola’s men ahead four minutes before half-time, taking Jack Grealish’s pass in his stride and drilling a clinical finish past Keylor Navas from 20 yards.
But the tension mounted as City searched for a second goal and Guardiola was booked for manhandling the fourth official after Erling Haaland’s penalty appeal was rejected following Joe Worrall’s challenge.
City were undone by their profligacy as Haaland’s drive hit the bar before the Norway star blazed the rebound over.
Haaland missed another chance moments later and Forest made the champions pay with their first shot on target in the 84th minute.
Morgan Gibbs-White fired a low ball across the area and New Zealand striker Chris Wood tapped into an empty net to leave Guardiola stunned.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was booked for his protests to the referee in his side’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)Source: AFP
Guardiola conceded City were the victims of their own downfall after such sloppy finishing.
“It was a brilliant performance, we played really good but we didn’t score. At this level you have to score and that is why we dropped points,” he said.
“The first half should already be 2-0 or 3-0, we conceded one shot on target and we dropped points. We are sad and disappointed but the way we played was really good.
“We missed goals that were one metre to the goalkeeper, not just one, a few. That is why we didn’t win. What can I say?”
City defender Kyle Walker was equally frustrated at the result.
“I’m not blaming anyone,” Walker told Match of the Day.
“If the strikers aren’t getting the luck or hitting the target, us as a defensive unit need to hang onto the 1-0 victory and secure the three points.
“We know that’s not acceptable. That’s not me being downbeat but we’ve set such high standards over the last few years that it should be four or five nil, game done and we move onto the next game.”
CHELSEA STUNNED BY LAST-PLACED SAINTS IN MAJOR UPSET
Under-fire Chelsea boss Graham Potter suffered another blow as bottom of the table Southampton won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
James Ward-Prowse scored his 17th Premier League free-kick — one behind David Beckham’s record in the competition — to give Southampton the lead in first half stoppage-time.
Stuart Armstrong was fouled on the edge of the area and with Saints fans chanting Ward-Prowse’s name, the midfielder curled a superb set-piece past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea were booed off at full-time after a result that left them languishing in 10th place, with just two wins in their last 14 games in all competitions and none in their last five.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter is under pressure after the Blues slipped to a shock defeat to lowly Southampton. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DYCHE DELIGHT AS TOFFEES BEAT RELEGATION RIVALS LEEDS
Everton moved out of the relegation zone with a valuable 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Leeds at Goodison Park.
Seamus Coleman netted in the 64th minute when Everton’s veteran defender hooked over a cross that caught out Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, who left a gap at his near post for the ball to squeeze into the net.
Sean Dyche’s side have won two of their three matches since he replaced the sacked Frank Lampard and now sit one point above the bottom three, while managerless Leeds are in 19th place.
The Matildas responded to an “amazing” speech from Sam Kerr to awake from a first-half slumber and thrash Czechia 4-0 in Gosford on Thursday night.
The Europeans were the better of the teams in the opening 45 minutes, with the Matildas starting their Cup of Nations campaign on a sleepy and at times disorganised manner on the Central Coast.
However, following a stirring half-time address from star Chelsea striker Kerr, the Matildas showed greater intent and energy in the second half, and were rewarded with four goals in a positive sign ahead of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Two goals came from Manchester City winger Hayley Raso, while Kerr and record-breaking defender Clare Polkinghorne also got on the scoresheet.
Polkinghorne’s 84th-minute goal was a fitting way to end the game, with the veteran defender captaining the side on the night she grabbed sole possession of the record for most Matildas appearances with 152.
The 34-year-old Queenslander was also rock solid in defence against a Czechia side that troubled the Matildas in the first-half before being outclassed by the hosts for the remainder of the contest,
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson was pleased with his side’s second-half response, and paid credit to Kerr for lifting her teammates.
“Her half-time talk was amazing,” Gustavsson told Network 10.
“Her leadership is phenomenal. She’s been around in important games and can replicate what it can be like.
“Be patient, believe, be positive, energised but we need to play faster, we need to better … it’s that balance of support and demand. It’s great leadership.”
Clare Polkinghorne (4) celebrates her goal with teammates in Gosford. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Earlier, Kerr had claims for a penalty waved away in the 18th minute when she was outmuscled by veteran Czechia defender Petra Bertholdová.
The Matildas then wasted a potential chance seven minutes later with a poorly placed pass from Raso.
Czechia then took control, and had three chances in the space of six minutes.
On each occasion, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was forced into saves.
The West Ham custodian tipped a long-distance effort from defender Anna Dlaskova around the post in the 26th minute.
Arnold was then grateful for a poor finish from Jitka Chlastákova in the 29th minute.
Chlastákova, who plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League women’s competition, should have scored but directed her weak shot straight into the grateful arms of Arnold.
Sloppy play from the Matildas then led to a chance for Michaela Khyrova in the 32nd minute, but Arnold again came to Australia’s rescue with smart save at her near post.
That proved to be the end of Czechia’s highlights, with Raso giving the Matildas the lead three minutes after half-time via a shot that deflected off Dlaskova and hit the inside of the post before rolling into the back of the net.
Raso doubled Australia’s lead in the 56th minute with a close-range header.
Kerr’s 62nd goal made it 3-0 in the 71st minute, with Polkinghorne providing the icing on the cake 13 minutes later.
In Thursday’s early Cup of Nations match, Spain beat Jamaica 3-0.
