This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2017/jul/28/usa-v-australia-tournament-of-nations-live

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
USA v Australia: Tournament of Nations – live! USA v Australia: Tournament of Nations – live!
(35 minutes later)
4.52am BST
04:52
86 min: Williams, for once today, shows a moment of uncertainty as Morgan races onto a long ball. The American gets on the end of it with Williams in no-mans land, but with a little help from her defenders, she’s able to get back and repel the attack.
4.50am BST
04:50
85 min: Another superb opportunity for the States! O’Hara finds Dunn, who controls well on her chest before prodding towards goal, but Williams is there again to turn the ball around the post! It’s coming, isn’t it?
4.49am BST
04:49
84 min: These final minutes are going to be a real test of the Australians’ resolve and how well they can handle the pressure of leading the best team on the planet.
4.47am BST
04:47
82 min: Ooh! Great chance for an American equaliser! But Morgan, having used her strength to get the better of Catley, fires into the side netting!
4.46am BST
04:46
81 min: Kennedy takes the free-kick, but her effort floats just over the bar.
4.46am BST
04:46
80 min: But here’s a great chance for the Matildas to double their lead, with a free-kick nearly dead centre, about 25 yards out. But before it’s taken, there’ll be another change: Gielnik on for Foord.
Updated
at 4.46am BST
4.44am BST
04:44
79 min: We’re approaching squeaky-bum time now. Just over 10 minutes left for the Matildas to hold on for a famous win – and for the US to find a goal to maintain their unbeaten record against Australia.
4.43am BST
04:43
78 min: Rapinoe splits the Australian defence to find the run of O’Hara on the right. She cuts it back into the box, but the Matildas hold firm and scramble the ball to safety.
4.42am BST
04:42
76 min: O’Hara and Brian on for Smith and Long as the US attempt to find a formula to break down the resilient Australians. But that’s a decent enough debut from Smith, who should be pleased with her first outing in a USWNT jersey.
4.40am BST
04:40
74 min: Mewis comes back on, and this match all of a sudden has a bit of bite. Van Egmond remonstrates with the referee over a perceived American high boot now.
4.39am BST
04:39
72 min: And Alen Stajic takes Butt off immediately. Not sure if that was ordered by the referee (as was the case with Antonio Valencia in Manchester United’s game against Real Salt Lake last week). She’s replaced by Chloe Logarzo. Mewis remains on the sidelines, as trainers attempt to plug her nose.
4.37am BST
04:37
71 min: Ouch. Blood pours from Mewis’ nose after she takes a high boot from Butt in the face. Nothing intentional, but pretty brutal consequences!
4.36am BST
04:36
70 min: And here is Lloyd! Rapinoe finds her but Williams is equal to her fierce shot and repels it!
4.34am BST
04:34
69 min: The US will look towards Lloyd and Morgan now to dig themselves out of this hole.
4.34am BST
04:34
68 min: What a story brewing here! The Matildas are just over 20 minutes away from a famous win, and ending a 26-year drought against the US. To be fair, it’s been coming, such has been the visitors’ ascendency.
4.33am BST
04:33
GOAL: USA 0-1 Australia (Butt)
67 min: Tameka Butt runs onto a loose ball, waits for it to fall (it seems like an age before it drops) and lashes past Naeher to put Australia ahead!
4.31am BST
04:31
63 min: So, we’ll now get an indication of how the Matildas can cope with Lloyd and Morgan. The former, might credit an Australian for her success, by the way:
4.29am BST
04:29
62 min: We’ll have a break in play now after Portland team-mates Horan and Raso clash heads. Both trainers come on assess each player – and Horan will come off, with Carli Lloyd coming on to replace her. Alex Morgan is also on, for Press, and to massive acclaim from the crowd.
4.25am BST
04:25
59 min: We’re approaching the hour mark in Seattle, and still no breakthrough, although it’s the Matildas who are slightly on top at the moment.
4.23am BST
04:23
57 min: Here’s another change, this time for the Americans. Crystal Dunn, the Chelsea payer, replaces Pugh.
4.22am BST
04:22
56 min: The Matildas have grown in stature as this game has progressed. It’s been a really impressive performance so far, not least for the way they weathered a bit of an early storm.
4.22am BST
04:22
55 min: Foord takes up the baton in Australia’s midfield, moving forward with intent before Kellond-Knight gets the ball out on the left. She plays it into the box towards the dangerous Kerr, but she’s always stretching her neck backwards to get to it, and her header goes over the bar.
4.18am BST4.18am BST
04:1804:18
52 min: Here comes a change – the largely ineffectual De Vanna makes way for Hayley Raso, the Portland Thorns player.52 min: Here comes a change – the largely ineffectual De Vanna makes way for Hayley Raso, the Portland Thorns player.
4.17am BST4.17am BST
04:1704:17
51 min: It’s end-to-end stuff early on this half. Catley sends in a cross by the byline after Rapinoe lost the ball in a dangerous position, but it’s that woman again, Naeher, who claims confidently.51 min: It’s end-to-end stuff early on this half. Catley sends in a cross by the byline after Rapinoe lost the ball in a dangerous position, but it’s that woman again, Naeher, who claims confidently.
4.15am BST4.15am BST
04:1504:15
50 min: Straight down to the other end and Mewis has a chance to open the scoring but her low effort bounces just wide of Williams’ post!50 min: Straight down to the other end and Mewis has a chance to open the scoring but her low effort bounces just wide of Williams’ post!
4.15am BST4.15am BST
04:1504:15
49 min: At the other end, a neat turn by Gorry opens up the US defence but his shot is straight at Naeher, who saves competently. 49 min: At the other end, a neat turn by Gorry opens up the US defence but her shot is straight at Naeher, who saves competently.
Updated
at 4.19am BST
4.14am BST4.14am BST
04:1404:14
48 min: And a bit of ping-pong from the resulting corner kick again causes some panic in the Matildas’ defence, but the whistle goes and they can breathe easy.48 min: And a bit of ping-pong from the resulting corner kick again causes some panic in the Matildas’ defence, but the whistle goes and they can breathe easy.
4.13am BST4.13am BST
04:1304:13
48 min: The US start the second half in much the same vein as they did the first – with Rapinoe at the centre of things. Her strike on goal causes consternation in the Australia back line, and it’s sliced over Williams’ bar for an US corner.48 min: The US start the second half in much the same vein as they did the first – with Rapinoe at the centre of things. Her strike on goal causes consternation in the Australia back line, and it’s sliced over Williams’ bar for an US corner.
4.11am BST4.11am BST
04:1104:11
47 min: There doesn’t appear to have been any changes made during the break, at least in terms of personnel.47 min: There doesn’t appear to have been any changes made during the break, at least in terms of personnel.
4.11am BST4.11am BST
04:1104:11
Second half underwaySecond half underway
46 min: OK, here we go again! We’re back up and running in Seattle.46 min: OK, here we go again! We’re back up and running in Seattle.
4.10am BST4.10am BST
04:1004:10
After today, things move on to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, where the Matildas take on Japan first up, then the US play Brazil later in the day. Then the StubHub Center in Carson will host the final round of matches – Matildas v Brazil and USA v Japan. Just thought I’d let you know that.After today, things move on to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, where the Matildas take on Japan first up, then the US play Brazil later in the day. Then the StubHub Center in Carson will host the final round of matches – Matildas v Brazil and USA v Japan. Just thought I’d let you know that.
3.55am BST3.55am BST
03:5503:55
Half-time: USA 0-0 AustraliaHalf-time: USA 0-0 Australia
45+1 min: There is, but Kennedy’s long ball forward goes all the way out of play. And there goes the whistle for half-time! It’s goalless at CenturyLink Field after an opening that was dominated by the US early on, before Australia came back into things and finished the stronger of the two teams. Time for a quick cuppa, and then back for the second half.45+1 min: There is, but Kennedy’s long ball forward goes all the way out of play. And there goes the whistle for half-time! It’s goalless at CenturyLink Field after an opening that was dominated by the US early on, before Australia came back into things and finished the stronger of the two teams. Time for a quick cuppa, and then back for the second half.
3.54am BST3.54am BST
03:5403:54
45 min: One minute of added time signalled at the end of the first half. Perhaps time for one more Australian attack?45 min: One minute of added time signalled at the end of the first half. Perhaps time for one more Australian attack?
3.53am BST3.53am BST
03:5303:53
44 min: A late corner fails to reap any advantage for Australia before Foord hits a long ball into the box and Naeher claims in commanding fashion. She’s been near-perfect so far today.44 min: A late corner fails to reap any advantage for Australia before Foord hits a long ball into the box and Naeher claims in commanding fashion. She’s been near-perfect so far today.
3.51am BST3.51am BST
03:5103:51
42 min: Here come the Matildas again down the left-hand side, but her cross isn’t great and Naeher is able to claim without any fuss.42 min: Here come the Matildas again down the left-hand side, but her cross isn’t great and Naeher is able to claim without any fuss.
3.50am BST3.50am BST
03:5003:50
41 min: But here’s Press latching onto a lovely ball through from Horan. She stabs at the ball but can’t get much power or any decent direction on it and Williams is able to scramble back and claim.41 min: But here’s Press latching onto a lovely ball through from Horan. She stabs at the ball but can’t get much power or any decent direction on it and Williams is able to scramble back and claim.
3.49am BST3.49am BST
03:4903:49
40 min: After a fairly torrid opening to the match, the Matildas are more than holding their own now and seemingly gaining in confidence.40 min: After a fairly torrid opening to the match, the Matildas are more than holding their own now and seemingly gaining in confidence.
3.48am BST3.48am BST
03:4803:48
39 min: Gorry, who has been her usual busy self so far today, plays another lovely little ball through for De Vanna on the left. But again the flag is up and the move breaks down.39 min: Gorry, who has been her usual busy self so far today, plays another lovely little ball through for De Vanna on the left. But again the flag is up and the move breaks down.
3.47am BST3.47am BST
03:4703:47
38 min: And moments later Butt gets the ball in acres of space in the box but before she pulls the trigger, the whistle goes and the flag is up.38 min: And moments later Butt gets the ball in acres of space in the box but before she pulls the trigger, the whistle goes and the flag is up.
3.46am BST3.46am BST
03:4603:46
37 min: Gorry now forces Naeher into action with a long-range, daisy-cutting effort. The keeper is equal to it though.37 min: Gorry now forces Naeher into action with a long-range, daisy-cutting effort. The keeper is equal to it though.
3.44am BST3.44am BST
03:4403:44
34 min: De Vanna’s just been described as a “character” and a “maverick” by Ian Darke, the telly commentator. Having chatted to her a couple of years ago, I can confirm that:34 min: De Vanna’s just been described as a “character” and a “maverick” by Ian Darke, the telly commentator. Having chatted to her a couple of years ago, I can confirm that:
3.42am BST3.42am BST
03:4203:42
33 min: Pugh goes down under a challenge from Kellond-Knight in the middle of the park and while she’s on the turf receiving treatment, the players head to the sidelines for a drinks break.33 min: Pugh goes down under a challenge from Kellond-Knight in the middle of the park and while she’s on the turf receiving treatment, the players head to the sidelines for a drinks break.
3.41am BST3.41am BST
03:4103:41
32 min: There’s Carli Lloyd on the bench – what a weapon to have in reserve. Hopefully we’ll see her at some stage today.32 min: There’s Carli Lloyd on the bench – what a weapon to have in reserve. Hopefully we’ll see her at some stage today.
3.38am BST
03:38
30 min: From the corner, Butt’s outstretched leg nearly but not quite gets to the ball in a bid to poke past Naeher. No dice though and, half an hour into this game, we’re still scoreless.
3.37am BST
03:37
29 min: Here goes De Vanna, using all her pace against Smith. De Vanna hares into the US box before hitting the deck under the American’s challenge. Her arms go up, but the referee signals a corner.
3.37am BST
03:37
28 min: In it goes, but the whistle goes again and nothing will transpire this time for the US.
3.36am BST
03:36
27 min: Australia are able to play the ball around the back now. But they lose the ball before too long and when Horan is fouled, the US will have a chance to get a ball into the Matildas’ box.
3.33am BST
03:33
24 min: Some desperate Matildas defending prevents Horan from capitalising on a bit of confusion in the visitors’ box.
3.32am BST
03:32
23 min: Catley attempts a long-range pass towards Kerr, but it’s a touch too long and the ball runs all the way through to Naeher.
3.31am BST
03:31
22 min: Naeher again has to be alert under pressure at the other end and she gets there just in time to hoof clear.
3.30am BST
03:30
21 min: Another half-chance for the US! And it’s Rapinoe again who sets Australian hearts aflutter with a Van Basten-esque volley that goes wide of the mark.
3.28am BST
03:28
19 min: Ooh! Kerr very nearly latches onto a backpass intended for Naeher. The US keeper darts off her line and manages to get there first – just.
3.27am BST
03:27
17 min: This, of course, isn’t the only women’s football tournament on at the moment. Earlier, England booked their place in the quarter-finals at Euro 2017 with victory over Portugal.
3.26am BST
03:26
16 min: Here come Australia now though. Kerr feeds Butt outside on the right but she’s always on the stretch and her first-time effort doesn’t trouble US keeper Naeher.
3.24am BST
03:24
15 min: Pugh sees an effort deflected past Williams’ post for another US corner here, but Rapinoe’s delivery is poor and the ball sails all the way over the box and out of play.
3.23am BST
03:23
14 min: De Vanna shows some real fight as she tussles with Smith. That’s the kind of grit and determination that has been her trademark over her career – and possibly what the Australians need today.
3.21am BST
03:21
12 min: Not meaning to tempt fate, but the US are beginning to look ominous here.
3.20am BST
03:20
11 min: Rapinoe goes close with a low shot after she cut back inside the box and unleashed an effort that Williams does well to get down to and tip around the post! First clear-cut chance of the game so far!
3.19am BST
03:19
9 min: And here we go with a mass round of applause for Tony DiCicco. Lovely touch on this, the first US game since he passed away in June.
3.17am BST
03:17
8 min: De Vanna is caught on the ball and the US break quickly. Rapinoe’s class shines through as she plays a lovely ball through for Horan, but the flag is up and she’s offside.
3.16am BST
03:16
7 min: Catley now is pulled up for a foul as she tries to press the Americans high up the pitch. The Matildas haven’t been able to make any real inroads into the final third as yet.
3.15am BST
03:15
5 min: Pugh and Press combine well on another American sortie forward, but again it comes to nothing. The pressure continues to build on the Matildas though.
3.13am BST
03:13
4 min: Here come the US again, with Rapinoe pulling the strings. Press is caught offside eventually, but the hosts are enjoying the better of these opening exchanges so far.
3.11am BST
03:11
3 min: The US win an early free-kick, but Rapinoe’s delivery isn’t accurate enough and the Matildas are able to clear without problems.
3.10am BST
03:10
2 min: So, the US have plenty of strength in depth today – they’ve got the likes of Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux on the bench. Taylor Smith, the young right-back, makes her debut.
3.09am BST
03:09
First half underway
1 min: And we’re off! It’s a pretty decent crowd at CenturyLink Field for this, the hosts’ opening match. No one’s in the upper tier, but the lower tier on the far side at least appears to be well filled.
Updated
at 3.56am BST
3.07am BST
03:07
The sun is out over CenturyLink Field in Seattle, it’s just gone midday on the eastern seaboard of Australia, and we’ll be ready for kick-off once the anthems are done and dusted. Advance Australia Fair plays out before Star Spangled Banner and we’re good to go!
Updated
at 3.42am BST
3.01am BST
03:01
Here come the teams, the US in all white, the Matildas in all yellow. Aside from a bit of chat with the mascots they’re holding hands with, both sets of players have that look of steely determination in their eyes.
3.00am BST
03:00
There will be a moment taken in the ninth minute of the match today to pay tribute to the former USWNT coach, Tony DiCicco, who died last month. DiCicco was a trailblazer of the women’s game in the States and had a huge impact on the game there and across the world. He retired with the most number of wins of any US coach under his belt, along with an Olympic gold medal from 1996 and the 1999 World Cup. Players will also wear black armbands marked with “TD” in his memory.
2.49am BST
02:49
Line-ups
Focused. Ready. And always for the 🔴⚪️🔵. Your XI for tonight's #ToN2017 match vs. @TheMatildas. pic.twitter.com/HsVy03S5lx
Here is how we line up for today's #ToN2017 opener! #GoMatildas #USAvAUS pic.twitter.com/MdXZAyQis6
2.46am BST
02:46
Brazil 1-1 Japan
Just earlier, in the tournament opener and the first part of this double-header in Seattle, Orlando Pride player Camila’s howitzer saw Brazil come from behind to win a point against Japan, who took the lead thanks to Yika Momiki’s 63rd-minute header.
What a bomb! #BRAvJPN #ToN2017 pic.twitter.com/aFk0LjLM8N
2.40am BST
02:40
Preamble
Mike Hytner
Hello there. Well, this promises to be quite the showpiece event at this inaugural Tournament of Nations, a four-team, round-robin comp that also features Brazil and Japan and will see games played in Seattle, San Diego and Carson. With all four teams currently residing in the top 10 of Fifa’s world rankings, we’re not going to be short on quality over the next six days.
The US (ranked one) and Australia (seven) have plenty of shared history, making this an especially intriguing clash at CenturyLink Field. The pair have faced each other 26 times before – incredibly the US have never lost – and this will be their first meeting since their opening World Cup group match in 2015, when the Matildas showed just how much they had improved, despite a 3-1 reverse against the eventual tournament winners.
Adding to the familiarity between the two sides are the five members of the Australian squad who currently ply their trade in the NWSL. Striker Sam Kerr, in particular, is certain to have featured in US pre-match team talks after her recent form for Sky Blue FC has lit up the league – the 11 goals she has scored so far this season has her second to just Megan Rapinoe in the race for the golden boot.
Kerr joins keeper Lydia Willians (Houston Dash), Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride), and Hayley Raso as names instantly familiar with US soccer fans, but quality runs all the way through Alen Stajic’s squad and the USWNT will need be wary of threats from all over the park if they are to maintain their unbeaten streak today.
This isn’t just about team records, mind. Out-of-season tournaments (of which the US hosts its fair share) have their sceptics, but crucial rankings points are up for grabs here – especially important for the Australians heading into a World Cup year. If they can rise above Japan (currently six in the world), the Matildas will get a seeded spot.
So, don’t expect any ground to be ceded easily here. Kick-off is nearly upon us, so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Oh, and please feel free to get in touch on the email – mike.hytner@theguardian.com – or Twitter @mike_hytner with your thoughts on today’s game, and anything else you feel like getting off your chest.
Updated
at 2.49am BST
2.56am BST
02:56
Mike will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of Caitlin Murray’s pre-tournament analysis of the USWNT:
Updated
at 12.43am BST