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The Matildas recorded a win over Korea Republic on Sunday in their last hit-out before they attempt to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics at an upcoming Asian tournament in March.
Kyah Simon secured the win for Australia with a goal in the second half, the fifteenth time the 24-year-old has scored for her country.
The Matildas were dominant in the opening half, before Simon broke through in the 67th minute, outsmarting two defenders to shoot one past the stumbling Korean goalkeeper.
“Solid effort in tough conditions. Always love scoring for my country,” tweeted Simon after the match.
It looks to have been the Matildas’ last fixture before they attempt qualification at an upcoming six-nation Asian tournament.
Only two of the six nations competing will make it through but this win should give the Matildas some confidence going in as Korea Republic is one of the sides they’ll be competing against.
The Matildas’ recent performances against China and England were a bit below the team’s desired standard, but coach Alen Stajcic said he was pleased with the progress he saw.
“We played a lot better today than we did against China and England in our last trip,” Stajcic said.
“I thought we dominated the game for the most part and certainly had the better of the chances and the possession. They caused us a few problems at times but the players handled themselves really well.”
“Caitlin Munoz came in and did a good job and Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy showed some good signs as a defensive pairing at the back.”
“This performance and the time we’ve had together over here (in Incheon) certainly puts us back on track towards the qualifiers in February. There is confidence in the group again, there was a real improvement in the levels at training in what were cold and tough conditions, something we’ll have to deal with at the qualifiers, so it was a good experience for us all round.”