Former Redcliffe PCYC standout Cortnee Vine made her Olympic debut for the Matildas in their Paris 2024 opening match on Friday, 26 July. Despite Vine’s 58-minute contribution, Matildas vs Germany finished 0-3 at Marseille Stadium. Redcliffe State High School alumna Teagan Micah was also on the bench for the match.
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Matildas vs Germany
Germany’s victory came through goals from Marina Hegering (24’), Lea Schuller (64’), and Jule Brand (68’). The German side demonstrated a solid set-piece strategy, limiting the Matildas’ opportunities throughout the match and scoring two of their own via corners.
Despite equal possession, Germany outshot Australia significantly, putting 4 of 17 attempts on target compared to the Tillies’ 2 of 8.
Redcliffe PCYC’s Cortnee Vine featured in the match, playing for 58 minutes before being substituted. The Victoria-born winger, who recently secured a move to North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League, showed flashes of the form that saw her contribute 10 goals and 6 assists for Sydney FC last season—averaging a whopping 1.02 goal contributions per 90 minutes.
Goalkeeper Teagan Micah sat behind Matildas regular Mackenzie Arnold. The Redcliffe State High School alumna is fresh off a season with Liverpool in the Women’s Super League where she maintained three clean sheets in seven appearances.
Olympics outlook
The 3-0 loss places Australia in a challenging position early in the tournament. Australia’s next match is on Monday, 29 July against Zambia, followed by their final group stage game against the powerhouse USA on Thursday, 1 August. Both matches are scheduled at 3:00 a.m. AEST.
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The top two teams in each of the three groups alongside the two best third-placed teams will progress to the knockouts. Given this format, goal difference could prove crucial in determining the final group standings.
Published 26-July-2024
