The Qantas Matildas have commenced their campaign to qualify for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in impressive fashion securing a comprehensive 4-0 win over group rivals Korea Republic (South Korea) in their opening match of the Asian Women's Cup played at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide today.
In wet and cold conditions Australia started confidently and held a one goal margin at the interval thanks to an own goal on the half-hour mark from Korean defender Min Kyung Jun. The Qantas Matildas dominated the latter stages of the match and were rewarded with second half goals to Sarah Walsh, Caitlin Munoz and substitute Lisa De Vanna.
The Qantas Matildas always looked likely to open the scoring with Heather Garriock hitting the side netting and most notably Jo Peters striking the crossbar with a spectacular long range effort from 30 metres.
The scoring was opened on the half hour when Sally Shipard's cross was deflected past the Korean goalkeeper with a misdirected header from defender Min Kyung Jun finding the net.
The home side looked likely to go into the half time break two goals up however substitute goalkeeper Min Kyung Jun, who had minutes earlier replaced the injured Jung Mi Kim, produced a stunning save to deny Collette McCallum's goal bound strike.
Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was a spectator throughout the first half but the Koreans started the second half with a renewed vigour and a goalmouth scramble five minutes after the break, and a Yun Hee Cha close-range effort directed wide soon after proved to be the visitors best moments in attack.
With Shipard and Peters dominating in the centre of the park the Australians doubled their advantage with Peters deep cross eluding the defence with Walsh expertly steering the ball home from 10 metres.
Soon after Munoz was denied a goal by the offside flag after sweeping home a rebound from the goalkeeper.
Munoz was not to be denied with the third goal for the Qantas Matildas was a near replica of the second. This time substitute De Vanna providing the cross from the left and Munoz forcing the ball home.
Three minutes from time Garriock's deep corner was headed back across goal by Kate Gill with De Vanna finishing from close range.
"The match was reasonably tight until the second goal but after that I felt we looked the stronger team and finished the match strongly which was pleasing," said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"Today was a critical game for us and the results was a perfect start for us. I'm very pleased with the overall performance but the players handled themselves well playing some good controlled football though I will be looking for improvement as the tournament progresses.
"The players were strong right until the final whistle which is a testament to the hard work of the players and the way they have adapted themselves to the rigours of international football in recent times."
In the earlier Group B match Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-1.