Matildas beat Haiti 7-1 in World Cup preparation friendly

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 23:44 · Archive

Australia defeated Haiti 7-1 in a Women's World Cup preparation friendly in France, with Leticia McKenna scoring twice.

Australia defeated Haiti 7-1 in a friendly held in France, with young midfielder Leticia McKenna scoring twice on her starting debut, bringing up her fourth cap. Leticia McKenna powered in a Wheeler cut-back 80 seconds into the game before scoring her second just before half-time. Daniela Galic scored on debut, whilst Caitlin Foord, Clare Wheeler and Holly McNamara also found the net in a five-goal second-half blitz.

The victory came after Australia lost 4-2 to an understrength Germany on Saturday. Head Coach Joe Montemurro made four changes to the starting XI, including a new-look back-line of Kaitlyn Torpey, Courtney Nevin and Charlotte Grant, alongside McKenna and Alana Murphy in midfield. Montemurro said Germany provided "a perfect test" and that Haiti would "give us another, different test". He added: "We've got a lot of information. It's also a good opportunity for me to try some new things."

Haiti, ranked world No 47, proved an organised and physical opponent, with midfielder Melchie Dumornay and forward Brittany Raphino proving threatening. Australia's usual starting front three of Foord, Kerr and Raso were initially held at arm's length, though the second-half changes proved decisive. With four international windows left until the Women's World Cup next June, Montemurro used the opportunity to develop depth in specific positions and establish chemistry in new combinations.

How it is being reported

• Leticia McKenna at the double as Matildas’ next generation help trounce Haiti 7-1Young midfielder scores twice in friendly held in France Galic, Foord, Wheeler and McNamara also on scoresheet A brace from young midfielder Leticia McKenna, a debut goal for Daniela Galic, and further strikes from Caitlin Foord, Clare Wheeler and Holly McNamara helped the Matildas to a 7-1 win over world No 47 Haiti in both teams’ final October friendly in France. Making her starting debut to bring up just her fourth cap for Australia, McKenna book-ended the first half with goals from midfield, powering a Wheeler cut-back into the roof of the net 80 seconds into the game before crashing her…Guardian Football · 13 Oct, 22:24
• Live: Matildas takes on Haiti in FranceThe Matildas round out their October friendlies with a second-ever meeting with Haiti as preparations continue for the Women's World Cup 2027.ABC News Australia · 13 Oct, 19:38

In this story: Matildas · Haiti · Leticia McKenna · Sam Kerr · Joe Montemurro · Germany · France

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