In the first half we were too slow and reactive. Better in the second half but all night we suffered at both ends from a lack of cohesion and polish and England made us pay for our numerous defensive brainfades.
Missed Alanna Kennedy big time in defence tonight. We were all over the shop down back and it felt like England were targeting the shorter Polkinghorne who replaced the taller Kennedy. Carpenter had an ordinary game too. Any flaws get exposed at this stage of the tournament and all up all 3 goals we conceded were gifted away due to junior level mistakes. That second goal conceded was U12s stuff
. Likewise, the third was simply not picking up the obvious run of Russo despite us having more numbers
. Just a horror show in the back half. You can't win any game dishing up that schoolyard crap let alone a semi-final against a good well-drilled opponent. The second goal though was the game killer. Just sucked the life out of the team and the crowd. After Kerr's wonder goal we had gained the momentum too and then just so easily and stupidly gifted it and the match away
.
A great cup run by the Matildas all up but sadly a missed opportunity.
