Women’s World Cup 2023: Mary Fowler proving Matildas’ without Sam Kerr just days out from opening game

The Matildas have taken heart from finding the net without star attackers Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord on the pitch in their 1-0 win over France as they seek a more clinical edge at the Women’s World Cup.

Mary Fowler was the matchwinner in the Matildas’ final tune-up match, scoring the only goal in front of 50,629 fans at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The 20-year-old substitute, who was introduced for the second half, grabbed her chance with a neat first touch and cool finish in the 66th minute.

It came after Australia struggled to find a cutting edge in the first half against France, regularly breaking into the final third without executing.

“Maybe we’re just saving them; hopefully that’s the case,” Foord said.

“Our last touch can be better and that’s something we can do leading into next week.”

Fowler’s goal came four minutes after captain Kerr and Foord exited in a double substitution as coach Tony Gustavsson rotated his squad.

“It just goes to show the kind of squad we have,” Fowler said.

“Everyone just wants the best for each other and you feel so supported when you go out there, even when you have people like Sam on the bench.

“It feels great to be able to help the team in that way and for all of us to still feel so confident even when big players are off the field.”

Gustavasson hailed his team’s spirit and connection, which appears to be peaking at just the right time ahead of Thursday’s World Cup opener against Ireland in Sydney.

“When Mary scores, you see Sam and Caitlin are the first ones screaming the loudest - like how they are happy for each other no matter who’s on the bench, on the field,” Gustavsson said.

“That community and that chemistry, how they play for each other and support each other, is amazing.”

The Matildas will also take heart from Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy’s strong defensive partnership, keeping a clean sheet in their first game together.

“It gives the team a lot of confidence knowing that we have depth in the backline and depth at centre back and it’s something that we’ve probably struggled with as a squad over the last few years,” Hunt said.

“To know that we have stability back there, and we can keep a clean sheet against a top-five nation, I think we’re in good stead for the World Cup.”

Clare Polkinghorne and Aivi Luik also made appearances off the bench.

“I have a lot of starting centre backs - they’re giving me a headache now,” Gustavsson said.