Matildas record-breaker scores in Aussie blitz

1 year ago 87

Legendary Australian defender Clare Polkinghorne had a imagination nighttime connected Thursday, scoring a extremity successful a thumping triumph arsenic she became the astir capped Matilda successful history.

Australia and the Czech Republic headed for the Central Coast Stadium sheds astatine half-time scoreless, but a flurry of goals aft the interruption powered the hosts to a 4-0 triumph successful beforehand of a 7702-strong crowd.

Hayley Raso nabbed the archetypal 2 goals of the Cup of Nations clash, disconnected a ricochet and a header, earlier Sam Kerr extended the Matildas' pb to 3-0 erstwhile she bunted successful a blocked shot from adjacent range.

Polkinghorne past iced the emphatic triumph successful the 84th minute, glancing the shot past the Czech Republic goalkeeper disconnected a cross.

In designation of Polkinghorne's magnificent career, Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson had made the 34-year-old skipper for the Gosford encounter.

Polkinghorne, who replaced Kerr arsenic skipper successful her milestone match, said she was "really proud" of clinching the Matildas games record.

"I emotion putting connected this jersey and representing the state and the Matildas," Polkinghorne added connected Channel 10's post-game coverage.

"It's conscionable truthful bully to beryllium backmost astatine location playing with this team. We had a fewer months apart, truthful it's bully to get backmost into grooming and finish our preparations for the World Cup."

Ricochet steals pb for Matildas

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry had glowing words for Polkinghorne pursuing the match.

"What an astonishing accomplishment for specified a large player," Gorry said connected the Channel 10 broadcast.

"To beryllium retired present playing with her contiguous and to get the triumph for her — it's truly special.

"I'm truly arrogant to person played alongside her for many, galore years, and I'm definite she's got galore (years) inactive near successful her."

Polkinghorne collected her 152nd Matildas headdress to pinch the games grounds from Cheryl Salisbury.

The Australians are present acceptable to conscionable Spain astatine Sydney's CommBank Stadium connected Sunday.

Spain downed Jamaica 3-0 astatine Central Coast Stadium earlier connected Thursday.

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