The Westfield Matildas finished their preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 with a powerful performance against world number 10 England at the Porsche Stadion in Wolfsburg today.
Two first half goals to Westfield Matildas vice captain Collette McCallum put the result out of reach of the England team with the Australian's dominating for large portions of the match.
Australia started the stronger of the two sides and showed their attacking capabilities with Heather Garriock, Lisa De Vanna, Kyah Simon and McCallum all linking well to put pressure on the England defence.
And before 15 minutes were played that attaching flair payed off with a typically powerful De Vanna run into the England penalty area ending in the Australian striker being illegally taken out with the referee given no option but to point to the spot.
McCallum stepped up and cleanly slotted home the penalty to give Australia the lead.
Garriock continued to lead the way in the midfield playing her first full match for the Westfield Matildas since the AFC Women's Asian Cup final in May 2010.
Another incisive run from De Vanna in the 27th minute earned Australia a corner which was played in by Tameka Butt.
With England only managing to clear the ball outside their area McCallum, who was loitering just outside the D, connected the side of her left boot with the rolling ball which rocketed into the top corner past the stranded England goalkeeper Rachel Brown.
A fast break following an England corner saw Emily van Egmond play an inch perfect through ball to De Vanna with the speedy attacker beating her player but chipping the ball just over the goal.
De Vanna and Simon again combined brilliantly on 37 minutes with De Vanna's shot from just inside the area forcing Brown into making a good stop.
England imposed themselves more convincingly late in the first half but rarely threatened Westfield Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri's goal.
England made three changes at the half bringing on attacker Kelly Smith but the inclusion of the England star did little to curb Australia's attacking edge.
On 62 minutes Simon picked up a loose ball and played a quick ball into the path of McCallum who took two touches before unleashing from 20 yards with substitute keeper Karen Bardsley making an excellent save to tip the ball over for a corner kick.
Australia continued to press the England team and Caitlin Foord, Clare Polkinghorne, Sam Kerr and Leena Khamis all had chances late in the game to increase the score line only to be halted by some resilient defending from England.
"Winning against a team like England, who by the way are highly fancied for this World Cup, is a boost," said Westfield Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni.
"I think the way we played in this match was just as critical as the result.
"Not only did we play some very attractive and fluid football but we also got a very positive result which is extremely important when heading into a big tournament.
"There's a real sense of confidence around the team at the moment – a real self belief and buzz in the playing group."
"Another good result is really fantastic for the team before we start the group stage," said Collette McCallum.
"My second goal rolled out to me nicely and when I connected with it I knew it was going in.
"I was fairly happy with my game, I think I can still improve in areas but in general it was a good day at the office."