The Australian Women's National Football Team (known as the Matildas) took their tournament progression into the quarter finals by the scruff of the neck by coming back from behind to defeat Norway 2 - 1 in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Leverkusen. Coming into the game, the Matildas needed at least a draw to progress, while for the Norwegian women nothing but a win would do.
In a tight contest, The Matildas fell behind early in the second half as long standing captain and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri failed to collect an oncoming ball due to a Australian defensive error, with young Norway striker Elise Thorsnes thrashing the ball into the net in the 57th minute.
Not even a minute had passed when Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon restored parity with a fine strike from the centre of the box, making the scores 1 - 1 after a fantastic cross from talisman striker Lisa De Vanna.
The Matildas sealed their progression into the quarterfinals thanks to yet again another goal from Simon in the 87th minute, after an over-hit corner was crossed in by Kim Carroll and met the head of Simon, evading all the Norwegian defense and into the goal.
The win sees The Matildas progress into the quarter finals, but a lot more work is needed defensively if the ladies in Green and Gold are to progress any further.
Watch the highlights of the game here:
