The CommBank Young Matildas opened the PacificAus Four Nations Tournament in the best possible way, defeating the Vanuatu senior national team 9-0 in front of a strong crowd at Viking Park, Canberra.
Attacking midfielder Sienna Saveska was the architect in the first half, grabbing two goals and two assists in her 45 minutes, while six other Australians got on the scoresheet - highlighting the genuine team effort from the Young Matildas.
It was a brave effort from Vanuatu who defended stoutly but struggled to maintain possession outside of their defensive third.
Australia opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Saveska capitalised on good build-up play with a strong strike that found the back of the net via a small deflection. Saveska scored her second goal after a goal mouth scramble saw her given the chance to spin and score.
Australia extended their lead through the head of Grace Kuilamu when the winger was first to the rebound following a long range Saveska strike hitting the crossbar: jumping high to tap-in the ball directly off the woodwork.
It was 4-0 shortly after when a short corner routine saw Talia Younis' shot saved by Amelia Reddy, but the ball fell kindly to Josie Allan who converted with a composed shot.
Australia's defence was tested from the kick-off when a Vanuatu long ball forced Maya Lobo to take evasive action for Australia, earning a yellow card for her effort in what was Vanuatu's first touch in Australia's half all match.
Nelly Kaltack's free kick was goal bound until a diving Ilona Melegh fingertipped it over the crossbar.
With half time approaching, Madeleine Caspers scored arguably the goal of the game when Saveska's skilful killer pass set-up Caspers for a one-one-one with Reddy, the midfielder making no mistake with her finish to put Australia 5-0 up at the break.
The second half started as the first ended, with a goal to Australia as half time substitute India Breier's corner was misjudged by Reddy and fumbled over the goal line.
Moments before being substituted, Lobo got her name on the scoresheet with a thundering strike from distance, the centre back taking a touch into space before unleashing a stunning drive that evaded the diving Reddy.
Mary Stanic-Floody finished off the scoring with two goals in the final 17 minutes, including a long-range bomb with the final kick of the match.
Interim head coach, Kory Babington, said the result highlighted how well the young Australian players performed against senior women.
"There were a lot of 16-year-olds out there and you probably can't tell who the really young ones are because these girls are physically well-conditioned, they're tactically astute, and they're involved in senior environments every week with their A-League team," said Babington.
"There was a good crowd today and the more that come down the better it is for the girls. Everyone likes playing in front of a crowd and they played some entertaining football today, so hopefully on the weekend the fan turnout can be better again."
The CommBank Young Matildas will continue their campaign on Saturday, 22 February when they take on the Solomon Islands national team. Kick-off is 6:30pm at Viking Park, Canberra. Vanuatu face Thailand U-20 team in their next match.
MATCH DETAILS
CommBank Young Matildas: 9 (Saveska 13' 17', Kuilamu 30', Allan 34', Caspers 44', Breier 50', Lobo 63', Stanic-Floody 72' 90'+4)
Vanuatu: 0
Date: Wednesday 19, February 2024
Venue: Viking Park, Canberra
Kick-Off: 3.00pm local time
Broadcast: Live & Free on the Football Australia YouTube Channel
