Australia's Qantas Matildas reached double figures again in match two of the OFC Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament, defeating Cook Islands 11-0 this afternoon in Canberra.
Australian Coach Adrian Santrac took the opportunity to make five changes from Saturday's combination, and although dominating play throughout, the Qantas Matildas were unable to display their sharp, fluent style against a determined and strong in numbers Cook Islands defence. Yet Australia could have ended with a much greater score but for regular misfired opportunities.
Hayley Crawford celebrated her first starting berth with the opening goal eight minutes into the game with a low strike and scored a second nine minutes later from an easy tap-in. Defender Pam Grant also made her first starting eleven appearance.
Other players to score a double were defender Dianne Alagich, midfielder Tal Karp, and forward Amy Wilson. Crawford, Alagich, Karp, Olivia Hohnke, and Wilson all scored their first ever international goals.
Rhian Davies scored Australia's second goal with a fantastic glancing header from the first of five Kelly Golebiowski corners which resulted in goals. Alagich was next to convert with a header, before Karp found the target three minutes later with a delightful thirty metre chip to take the half-time score to 5-0.
Hohnke opened the second half account 13 minutes after resumption with a shot from the edge of the box. Alagich was successful from the penalty spot after a handball in the box, and substitute Danielle Small's downward header came six minutes after coming in off the bench. Wilson scored with a header, before Karp hit another from long range, and Wilson rocked the back of the net from 15 metres for a final scoreline of 11-0.
Coach Santrac was not entirely pleased with Australia's rate of conversion and overall play. "Again it's very difficult playing against a team with ten players behind the ball," he said. "We need to be seeing the options and using the options at the right time. Our finishing in both games has been woeful, particularly poor - there's a casualness and lack of responsibility in terms of finishing, which is not good enough. The players need to think about the importance of making every moment count."