Melbourne City stars Alexia Apostolakis and Holly McNamara were in action on the international stage over the weekend, featuring in the Matildas 1-0 loss to Panama on Saturday afternoon.
It was a particularly special occasion for 19-year-old fullback Apostolakis, who made her senior international debut, earning cap #242 as a late substitute.
Introduced in the final minutes of the friendly fixture, she wasted no time making an impact, nearly helping Australia find a late equaliser when her effort from the edge of the area was saved, before the rebound was narrowly missed by Michelle Heyman.
McNamara, who continues to build her international experience, was once again named in the starting XI and made an immediate impression.
The prolific attacker looked dangerous from the opening whistle, charging down the left wing and firing in a threatening early cross that ultimately led to Panama’s goalkeeper being substituted due to injury.
She continued to be one of the Matildas’ liveliest players in a physical first half, creating chances and combining well in the attacking third, where she went close to providing an assist for Emily Gielnik who was unable to connect from close range.
McNamara, Apostolakis and the Matildas will be eager to respond when they meet Panama again at HBF Park in Perth on Tuesday night, their final fixture of a four-game friendly window under newly appointed Head Coach Joe Montemurro.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Matildas v Panama
Date: Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Kick-off: 6.00pm WST / 8.00pm AEST
Venue: HBF Park, Perth
Broadcast: Paramount+ exclusive
