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Two down, three to go: goal onslaught buoys Rio-bound Matildas

It may have been an expected win for the Australian women’s football team over Vietnam overnight, but the 9-0 victory margin has provided a massive boost for the Matildas as they continue to chase a ticket to the Rio Olympics.

Mar 03, 2016, updated Mar 03, 2016
A Kyah Simon treble led Australia to victory. Photo: EPA

A Kyah Simon treble led Australia to victory. Photo: EPA

The Matildas were always in control of their encounter against the outclassed south-east Asians as a Kyah Simon treble helped the Aussies to a 5-0 halftime lead in Osaka.

The Matildas didn’t miss a beat, playing with confidence and fluency throughout.

All three substitutes – Ashleigh Sykes, Michelle Heyman and Clare Polkinghorne – got on the scoresheet as did Emily Gielnik, Alanna Kennedy and Emily Van Egmond.

Australia sit clear at the top of the six-team standings, ahead of China who drew 1-1 against North Korea.

FULL TIME | What a win for @TheMatildas! 9-0. The #RoadToRio continues! #AUSvVIE #GoMatildas pic.twitter.com/67aqYhfbjZ

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) March 2, 2016

Hosts Japan again stumbled after their opening 3-1 loss against Australia, this time conceding a late goal to draw 1-1 against South Korea.

China, one of Australia’s main challengers for the two Rio tickets, could only manage a 2-0 win against Vietnam on Monday, and Matildas captain Polkinghorne says building goal difference was an objective for the Australian team going into the match.

“We finished a lot of chances and the goal difference is something we have talked about so to get nine on the board was a good outcome for us,” Polkinghorne said.

“Going into games like this can be tough because you know the opposition is going to be defensively orientated. It can take a lot of combination play and patience to get through the defence.”

Australia coach Alen Stajcic made six changes from the side which beat Japan on Monday, mindful of an intense five-match schedule over just ten days.

There was even a debut for 15-year-old Sydney-based year 10 student Ellie Carpenter on the right side of defence.

“Our depth is a real advantage for us,” said Polkinghorne.

“We knew going into the tournament that it was going to be a tough ask and we would need everyone to play a role.”

Australia now face South Korea on Friday, a win will get them ever closer to Rio.

“We know it is going to take five wins to get us to Rio and that is our focus,” said Polkinghorne.

“We have completed two steps and we have three to go.

“We have a great amount of focus within the group, and everyone knows what the final goal is.

“Friday’s game is going to be very tough. They are a strong outfit and it will be very hard for us to break then down.”

-AAP

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