WHAT'S OUR BEST TEAM?

Now for the fun part!

We've seen most of our squad get serious minutes over the course of two games and next we face the most important game in the group: 15th in the world China who have made no qualms about smashing everything in their path so far.

Milicic is going to play his strongest squad and he's going to hold on to this 4-3-3 formation, so who does he play?

Alanna Kennedy actually didn't get much chance to impress tonight, bar a couple of attacking opportunities that she couldn't make the most of. On the other hand, Jenna McCormick somehow managed to still have a blinder despite only touching the ball a few times.

Our opinion is that McCormick is slowly working her way into that first choice eleven but isn't quite there yet. She's agile, mobile, physical, but against a world class tactical team she can be exploited slightly easier than Kennedy and Polkinghorne.

This then creates issues as neither of our two first choice centrebacks are as mobile, however for the time being, we predict Milicic runs Polks and Kennedy as centrehalves. This probably won't last long though.

Carpenter is a shoe in on the right flank, Steph Catley will return on the left. Karly Roestbakken was solid yet unspectacular tonight. Lydia Williams will play in goal by default.

The Luik, Kellond-Knight battle will be interesting. In theory, Luik was too instrumental tonight to lose her place, but considering Milicic will want Australia to attack, he won't play them both. Our bet is Kellond-Knight gets the go ahead.

Katrina Gorry didn't show enough tonight despite a strong performance against Chinese Taipei. Van Egmond will partner Simon in that slightly deeper attacking role, with Chloe Logarzo kept on the bench.

Hayley Raso, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord up front. Logarzo and Emily Gielnik the two most likely attacking additions off the bench.

Pwoah, watch out China.

PLUS...

3 Things We Learned: Matildas vs Thailand

As the Matildas run rampant again, slotting six past a shellshocked Thailand side, we ruminate over what's great and what's lacking.

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Matildas Player Ratings vs Thailand

Wondering who's going to play for the Matildas in our massive match up against China? Look no further than our player ratings from their 6-0 demolition job on Thailand.

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'I honestly don't care': Van Egmond only here for one reason

Emily van Egmond was beaming after putting in once of her best ever Matildas displays and scoring her maiden international hat-trick. But that's not why she dons the green and gold.

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Old predators re-emerge as Matildas maul Thailand

The Matildas have secured a spot in the final round of women's qualifiers for Tokyo 2020, thumping Thailand in Sydney courtesy of an Emily Van Egmond hat-trick.

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On fire Matildas veteran 'doesn't really know' her best position

She still doesn't know which position she prefers, but Kyah Simon was grinning from ear to ear after continuing her Matildas resurgence with a brace in their 6-0 battering of Thailand.
 

PLUS...

Matildas Social Wrap: 'Matilads' 'Matilda's' and Mum & Daughter Moments

The Matildas expressed their elation following their 6-0 win over Thailand, but they couldn't match the emotions of a few very proud parents.