Caitlin Foord’s name may be on the scoresheet, but it’s Mary Fowler’s name that is on the lips of football fans around the world.
After a tough start to their knockout clash against Denmark, Australian pounced with a perfect counter attack that saw them take a 1-0 lead.
Foord pounced and caught the Danish defence lacking as she was put through on goal by a pass from Fowler that left those watching on shaking their heads in disbelief.
After receiving the ball deep in the Denmark half, Fowler shot past one opponent before regaining her composure and scanning the field.
In the blink of an eye she spotted the streaking Foord and delivered a centimetre perfect pass that split the defence open and left her teammate with only the goalkeeper to beat.
While the finish from Foord was excellent, the pass from Fowler was simply out of this world and it garnered the attention it thoroughly deserved on social media.
Journalist Mark Gottlieb wrote: “That is an absolutely magnificent pass from Fowler. Out of this world vision and touch and the finish from Foord …. A bit of nutmeg.”
News Corp’s Tim Michell wrote: “That ball from Mary Fowler to release Foord! Goodness me. Counter attack at its best.”
Channel 7’s Robert Grasso wrote: “What … a … ball from Mary Fowler. Absolutely first class! Superb finish Foord … but that pass … add that to the World Cup highlights reel.”
ESPN’s Laurie Horesh wrote: “Clinical nutmeg finish from Foord but that first touch and inch-perfect pass from Mary Fowler was world class. Take a bow, maestro.”
Journalist Jonno Simpson wrote: “Absolute world class through ball from Fowler!”
The Matildas endured an early onslaught from their rivals and were able to compose themselves on the back of a controversial moment involving Steph Catley.
Catley took some contact and stayed down on the ground to have her ankle assessed by medical staff.
The Matildas used the break in play to huddle around coach Tony Gustavsson.
Catley was taken from the field briefly but returned to the pitch just moments after the re-start of play.
Channel 7’s Grace Gill said in commentary: “It’s a good question as to whether this moment was just a quick tactical discussion, because… there was a quick gathering of the players around Tony Gustavsson.
“Just to take, perhaps, a little ‘bit of momentum out of Denmark, who have started this opening stanza really brightly.
SEN producer Sam Watson posted on Twitter: “Imagine the outrage amongst footy fans if what Steph Catley just did happened in an AFL game.
“Talk about exploiting the rules to stem the opponent’s momentum.”
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