Melbourne City Star Marks Anticipated Comeback for Matildas in Australia’s Challenging SheBelieves Cup Opener

CommBank Matildas’ interim head coach Tom Sermanni has acknowledged that the return of Melbourne City player Holly McNamara was one of the few bright spots following their heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup.

McNamara made her comeback to the Green and Gold after a lengthy absence of 1,119 days from the international scene, having fully recuperated from her third ACL injury. However, the Matildas were overwhelmed by their Asian counterparts Japan on Friday (AEDT).

“It was fantastic,” Sermanni remarked when asked about McNamara’s return, who entered the field during the second half.

“She has endured three ACL injuries, and she’s just come back from the latest one. She has invested a considerable amount of time in rehabilitation and training to make this return.

“Seeing her out there, full of energy, was very encouraging, and she will be a significant asset for us moving forward.

“So it’s really good, probably the highlight of the day.”

CommBank Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni on Holly McNamara’s return

Seated on the substitutes’ bench alongside several players from the Ninja A-League, McNamara witnessed the Matildas concede a goal within the first six minutes at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, following a clever flick by Mina Tanaka that found its way into the bottom corner.

Tanaka then netted her second and Japan’s second goal in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a defensive error between Clare Hunt and Alana Kennedy, which allowed her to slip the ball past the advancing Mackenzie Arnold, culminating in a lacklustre first half for Australia.

As the second half began, Australia hoped for a turnaround, but Japan continued to assert their dominance, sealing their victory in the 52nd minute when Maika Hamano scored from close range after the Matildas’ defence was pulled out of position during a slick Japanese build-up.

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Sermanni made several substitutions in the 64th minute, which saw McNamara replace Caitlin Foord while fellow Ninja A-League talent Daniela Galic was also brought onto the pitch.

Unfortunately for the Matildas, the changes did little to alter the course of the match, as central defender Moeka Minami added a fourth goal in the 75th minute, converting a lofted cross into the box over Arnold.

Newcastle Jets defender Natasha Prior was introduced late in the match to gain vital minutes as the team prepares for what may be a significantly altered lineup in their upcoming SheBelieves Cup clash against the USA on Monday morning.