WWC: Australia’s Vine and Matildas face uphill battle after Nigeria defeat

Sydney FC winger Cortnee Vine started once again for the Australian Women’s team as they took on Nigeria in Brisbane in the 2nd round of matches during the Group Stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Australia won their opening Group Stage game in front of 75,000 people at Stadium Australia against the Republic of Ireland and looked to be on their way against Nigeria after taking the lead in first half injury time.

Cortnee Vine was involved, distracting defenders as Emily Van Egmond slotted it home to almost lift the lid off of Brisbane Stadium, however the Matildas were pegged back after Nigeria struck moments later.

READ ALSO:WWC: Waldrum lauds ‘Resilient’ wonderful Super Falcons

It was a second half collapse from Australia as Vine was shut down whether she was played in her usual winger role or as an unorthodox striker with former Sydney FC winner Caitlin Foord swapping places with the number five.

The Super Falcons hit Australia where it hurt and scored two goals against the run of play to silence the crowd and managed to hold on with Cortnee Vine replaced in the 85th minute by Clare Polkinghorne.

Another former Sky Blues, Alanna Kennedy would score a late 2nd for the host nation but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point in front of almost 50,000 people.

After that loss, for Vine and the Matildas, they now must beat Olympic Gold Medalists Canada in their final Group Stage match to make it through to the Round of 16.