The Matildas posted a solid 2-0 victory over Russia in match two of their Nike US Women's Cup campaign overnight, a promising result over a team which has already qualified for next year's World Cup.
Australia has beaten Russia once before in their three previous meetings, but this was their first clash since Russia's debut appearance at the 1999 World Cup where they finished a creditable eighth place. Four months ago, Russia went on to qualify for the 2003 World Cup as one of Europe's top four.
The result also puts the Matildas in with a great chance of finishing a best-ever second in the prestigious event. Australia placed third in both the 1995 and 1997 US Women's Cup invitationals.
In the later game today, USA won the event yet again, overpowering Italy after a scoreless first half to record a 4-0 victory. The goals were all scored within the space of fourteen minutes.
Both USA and Russia have now completed their three matches, although Italy can still snatch second spot from Australia but only by defeating them by a clear three goals when the two wrap up the tournament on Thursday (Aust time). The Matildas however will be out to beat their second European opponent.
In today's warm conditions, the Matildas put the Russians on the back foot early before doubling their lead shortly before half-time. Australia was the livelier in attack and the Matildas defence kept their opposition relatively quiet near goal.
Kelly Golebiowski scored a sensational solo goal 12 minutes into the game, her swerving run into the box leaving several defenders in her wake. Her left foot finish into the right of goal was her second goal for the tour.
Three minutes later, defender Dianne Alagich pushed forward into attack but Heather Garriock's ensuing shot was tipped over the bar by the keeper. Twenty minutes in, Russia finally started to settle into the match and responded by pressing the Australian defence, but the Matildas held firm.
The goalkeepers at either end were brought into play in the 36th minute, a Joanne Peters attempt for Australia was blocked, and Russia's immediate counterattack resulted in Matildas keeper Melissa Barbieri saving Natalia Barbachina's effort.
Late in the first half, Australia made the rare move of a triple substitution. Three minutes later, one such substitute, Natalie Thomas laid off a long ball from Cheryl Salisbury, allowing Joanne Peters to finish the neat move with a left-foot drive.
Upon resumption, the Matildas continued to hold possession well, whilst Russia had few real chances on goal. Midway through the second half, Garriock found the back of the net with a Golebiowski cross but her only reward was a yellow card for her challenge on the goalkeeper.
Russia's best opportunity of the game came in the 89th minute, Tatiana Skotnikova cutting into the box. Her shot struck the post and back into play but the Matildas snuffed the danger.
AIS/National Coach Adrian Santrac was delighted with the victory and the Australian performance, saying, "The result was very pleasing. We are continuing to improve and today's performance in very difficult conditions against a very skilful opponent was reward for the hard work the players have been putting in whilst on tour."
Santrac added, "Our focus is still on the World Cup Qualifiers and continual improvements in performance to ensure we are ready. Our next game against Italy will test our ability to maintain a level of consistency in our performance."