Matildas finally break 17-year curse with victory over Chinese Taipei

In Australia, the Matildas achieved a remarkable 6-0 victory over Taiwan during a friendly match held in Geelong on December 8, 2024. This match served as an emotional farewell for Clare Polkinghorne, the longest-serving player in the Matildas' history, who made her 169th and final appearance for the national team. The retirement of Polkinghorne marked the conclusion of an illustrious career, as she expressed pride in witnessing young players make their debut and contribute to the team's success during her farewell game. The victory held special significance not only for Polkinghorne but also for the team, coming after a challenging series of matches against Brazil, where they had previously lost both encounters. The team's performance against Taiwan demonstrated their ability to dominate, contributing to the growing confidence of a squad that is experiencing a transition with new players. Tom Sermanni, the interim head coach, utilized this opportunity to assess the squad, allowing several young players to showcase their talent under pressure. Among the standout performers was Tameka Yallop, who was instrumental in all three first-half goals, with her passing setting up openings for her teammates. This level of collaboration and success indicates a promising future for the Matildas as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, including the SheBelieves Cup. However, the match also carried a bittersweet tone as star striker Sam Kerr continued her recovery from a ruptured ACL injury, adding a sense of urgency for the team to adapt in her absence. The combination of a stellar farewell for Polkinghorne and the necessity for others to rise to the challenge was a fitting narrative, signaling potential changes within the squad for future competitions.