The Qantas Matildas have taken another step towards qualification for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup with a 2-0 win over Myanmar in the Group B match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament played at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, today.
A goal in each half to Sally Shipard and Lisa De Vanna was enough to secure victory for Australia in a one-sided affair. The Qantas Matildas struggled at times to break down a packed defence but dominated to such an extent that goalkeeper Lydia Williams did not touch the ball once during the entire 90 minutes. Myanmar rarely crossed the halfway line in possession and failed to win a corner or force a goal kick in the match.
"It was one of those frustrating days at the office," said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"All credit to Myanmar, they defended tenaciously, keeping a lot of players around their own goal with clusters of players filling the danger areas.
"We are not overly used to that kind of play so it's not particularly easy for the players to change their normal game plan.
"Perhaps in a way what we experienced today is recognition for our team's ability and we haven't always been afforded that kind of respect.”
"The major thing is that we have three more points and we will now be focusing all our energies towards Saturday's key match against DPR Korea."
Caitlin Munoz was denied early on by a smart save from goalkeeper May Khin Ya Min, before Qantas Young Matildas captain Shipard rose expertly at the far post to score from a perfectly flighted Heather Garriock corner on the half hour. Shipard played in the unfamiliar role of central defender with Karla Reuter and Dianne Alagich ruled out through injury, and Cheryl Salisbury and Thea Slatyer remaining on the bench.
Half time substitute De Vanna immediately provided extra impetus going on a scintillating run down the left flank in the opening minute of the second half with Kylie Ledbrook's subsequent shot deflected narrowly wide.
Joanne Burgess struck the crossbar soon after with a cross come shot from the left flank, with the same playing bundling the ball onto the roof of the net soon after following Collette McCallum's cross.
Australia scored the second with 13 minutes remaining with Alicia Ferguson playing an expertly weighted ball over a static defence which De Vanna smartly lofted over the advancing goalkeeper.
The nine-nation AFC Women's Asian Cup doubles as qualifying for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup with the top two nations to qualify automatically while the third-placed team will play-off against the third best team in CONCACAF. China as host nation for next year's tournament have qualified automatically.
After two matches in three days Australia now have a four day respite before their crucial group match against DPR Korea (North Korea) on Saturday.
DPR Korea today defeated Thailand 9-0 in the early match. The first Group A matches will be played tomorrow.