A youthful Australian line-up was far too strong for Hong Kong as the Matildas recorded a comprehensive 8-1 win in their penultimate Beijing Olympic qualifying match at the Hong Kong Stadium this afternoon.
The Australian team adapted well to the extremely hot and humid conditions and secured a 4-0 lead at half time in a match played on an artificial surface.
Australia showed their dominance from the opening with midfielder Ellyse Perry scoring in just the second minute. Perry, who a fortnight ago became the youngest male or female cricketer to represent Australia, completed a unique double scoring for Australia on debut with a looping shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Their were further first half goals for Renee Rollason, Caitlin Cooper and Tameka Butt with Australia dominating their opponent.
Australia added a fifth through a Hong Kong own goal soon after the interval before Wing Sze Chan scored from close range after a rare foray forward by the home team.
Australia went on to score a further three second half goals courtesy of a second from Rollason, a second own goal and a final strike from substitute Jenna Kingsley.
Despite the comprehensive win Australia's hope of qualification were effectively dashed in July after successive losses against DPR Korea left the Matildas six points adrift with two matches remaining. DPR Korea will play their penultimate match overnight against Chinese Taipei.
The Matildas will play their final Beijing Olympic qualifier against Chinese Taipei in Coffs Harbour next Sunday (12 August).
The team will then travel to Tianjin for matches against China on August 16 and 19 in what will be the last international matches prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup.