While Katrina Gorry's recall for the Matildas was slightly overshadowed by omissions and other questions, her actual return to the pitch was unignorable. The threat of being overshadowed, however, was all too real with Australia leaving its run to victory late, scoring in the 94th and 96th minute to defeat New Zealand 2-1.
It quickly became apparent that Gorry's first Matildas appearance in 788 days would see her deployed as the deepest midfielder. Not as a traditional No. 6 but rather in a regista-style deep-lying playmaker role.
Before the game, head coach Tony Gustavsson explained that while Gorry's best position was probably as a No. 8 or No. 10, her qualities ensured that she could play this particular role.
"But she also has another unique skill set and that is she can make other players look good," Gustavsson said. "She can combine and connect with players. So therefore I also think she can be used as a No. 6 for us, a playmaking, quarterbacking six.
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"Some would say she doesn't have the aerial presence to play as a No. 6 or cover the ground, the defensive presence, but the attacking skill set is phenomenal and her smartness as well. So in any of those midfield spots, I'm intrigued and interested to see her play, but I also think we need to not put pressure on Mini. Now she needs time to get back to international level. And we need to give her that time. But I'm really happy to see her back into this national team."
Katrina Gorry was making her first Australia appearance for almost two years. Ian Hitchcock/Getty ImagesWith her daughter, Harper, in the stands, Gorry made it seem as if she had neither spent almost two years away from the national team nor gone through the transformation that is pregnancy and childbirth.
And while Gustavsson's message that Gorry needs and deserves patience and time is one that should be heeded, when the midfielder puts in a performance that makes it seem like she was never away from the pitch, it bodes well for what more preparation and more football will do for this next chapter in her career.
Utilising Gorry in this particular midfield configuration made even more sense once it became obvious that the Matildas would dominate possession and not require a traditional No. 6. That being said, Gustavsson was particularly impressed with Gorry's defending, saying: "Her defensive actions, the amount of duels she wins, she even wins aerial duels against [Hannah] Wilkinson. I'm not surprised how good she was attacking but the defensive performance from her was also world-class in my opinion."
Gorry's inch perfect passing, brilliant vision and fearlessness were on full display throughout the match, and that quarterbacking ability became even more evident as the match wore on, particularly in her combinations with Mary Fowler -- the most advanced midfielder -- in the second half.
But even her Player of the Match performance didn't quell the sense of deja vu many Matildas fans would have felt watching this game until the 94th minute.
In the opening 30 minutes, the Matildas had several gilt-edged chances. Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson and centre-back Claudia Bunge were integral, producing killer saves and laying important blocks and tackles.
Despite the glut of Australian chances it was Kiwi Anna Green's audacious, ridiculous, deliberate shot from out wide that broke the deadlock. It was unbelievable in every sense and in every context.
Shining on her return and bossin' the midfield!