Sam Kerr Fires Matildas To Crucial Win In Olympics Opener

The Matildas have started their Olympics campaign with a 2-1 win over New Zealand with Sam Kerr starring for the green and gold. 

Without a win in five games under new coach Tony Gustavsson, the Matildas started brightly and nearly created a chance in the opening seconds as they pressed aggressively from the outset. 

Australia continued to push hard for the opener but struggled to make the most of several early corners. 

They were eventually awarded for their persistence in open play in the 20th minute after Sam Kerr played Tameka Yallop through on goal and the 30-year-old lashed the ball home with real power. 

Kerr would then grab a goal herself 13 minutes later as she headed home a Steph Catley corner in off the crossbar. 

The Matildas went into the break 2-0 up with New Zealand unable to pose any real threat in attack and simply trying to keep Australia at bay. 

Both sides emerged from half-time hungry for goals with the Football Ferns almost pouncing on some relaxed defending from the Matilads, before Kyah Simon had an effort saved up the other end just minutes later. 

New Zealand goalkeeper Erin Nayler was proving hard for Australia to find a way past with Caitlin Foord forcing a fine save just before the hour mark. 

Matildas shot-stopper Lydia Williams almost gifted the Kiwis a goal in the 63rd minute after failing to deal with a ball into her box but Ellie Carpenter was on hand to clear the danger with goal gaping. 

Nayley continued to keep New Zealand in the contest with a number of sharp stops and her side set up a nervous finish for the Matildas when Gabi Rennie headed home in injury time. 

The goal would prove to be just consolation however as the green and gold hung on for a crucial 2-1 victory. 

Australia next face Sweden on Saturday night with the Swedes upsetting the United States 3-0 in their opening match.