The Matildas have belted the Czech Republic 6-2 to close their Cyprus Cup campaign in resounding fashion.
The victory, Australia’s third from four games, secured fifth place in the women’s soccer tournament and came after it had trailed early in Paralimni.
After conceding in just the fifth minute, the Matildas responded during a frantic opening 20 minutes to take a 2-1 lead through goals to AFC player of the year Katrina Gorry and Emily van Egmond, while Michelle Heyman also won a penalty during the wild start to the march – but was unable to convert from the spot.
Heyman found herself on the scorer’s sheet early in the second half, tapping in a simple effort from a parried shot.
The Czechs managed to claw one back, but Australia completed the rout with two goals in a minute to Clare Polkinghorne and Ashleigh Sykes.
“The game was a little bit disjointed and we weren’t as fluent as we were the other night against Finland,” head coach Alen Stajcic said.
“In saying that, the variety we have in our attack is one of our biggest strengths – we don’t have to rely on just one or two players to score.
“We’ve got a range of options who all bring something different.”