Own goal blunders haunt Matildas in loss

The Matildas have been made to pay for two own goals going down 3-2 to Denmark in preparation for the Olympic Games.

Australia found themselves down 3-0 after 25 minutes even though Denmark recorded fewer shots on target than goals during the first half. Two blunders from the Aussies led to goals further highlighting their defensive frailties.

Australia twice put the ball into their own net through Tameka Yallop and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Yallop's slip up came 15 minutes in as the Matildas failed to clear a free kick, and it was a similar situation when Denmark capitalised on a loose ball from a corner minutes later. Replays indicated the goal should have been ruled out for offside but the Matildas' defence left a lot to be desired.

Teenage substitute Mary Fowler scored her first international goal for the Aussies in the dying minutes, while Clare Polkinghorne headed a second during stoppage-time.

Even though they lost, it was an improved performance from the Matildas, who came into the match on the back of humbling defeats against Germany and the Netherlands.

Sam Kerr had a goal ruled out for a narrow offside within minutes of kick-off, and the Aussies forced the Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen into a double block moments later but they couldn't get on the score sheet.

The Matildas have another warm up clash ahead of the Olympics with a match against Sweden on Wednesday morning (AEST).

The Aussies are grouped with New Zealand, Sweden and the USA in Tokyo.

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