Vietnam showed some enterprise with a few counter attacks but were never going to come close. Australia had 70% of the possession and 544 passes to 245.

Some shaky moments down back wont make Ante Milicic happy. However, class as always comes to the fore.

14,000 people in Newcastle saw the Matildas do what they needed to do, the return leg on Wednesday night, barring a major catastrophe, should pose few problems.

MATILDAS RATINGS

Lydia Williams - 7

Didn't have much to do but when she had to come she did. Delivery was excellent as always.

Clare Polkinghorne - 8

Scored her 10th goal for Australia and had over 100 touches. Australia had a few nervous moments down back but Polkinghorne was always there to clean up.

Alanna Kennedy - 8.5

Brilliant performance from the tough defender.  She had 117 touches and won 10 of her duels.  Her passing was excellent. Australia are so much safer with Kennedy down back.

Steph Catley - 8

Set up Van Egmond's goal and worked a set play to perfection with Van Egmond to set up Polkinghorne. 

Catley is one of our best and she showed tonight how vital she is.

Ellie Carpenter - 7.5

Set up Kerr's goal with a beautiful cross. Plenty of clashes with opponents as she flew down the wing as always. Was ill-disciplined at times but it didn't really matter tonight.

Chloe Logarzo - 6.5

Was solid all night as you'd expect from the hard nut. Can let her emotion get the better of her. Possibly should have been sent off in the 87th minute with a poor elbow to the head of an opponent. Potential injury concerns as well.

Emily Van Egmond - 9

A goal and an assist in the first half to ensure Australia hit the back of the net. Beautiful routine with Catley to set up Polkinghorne.

Van Egmond's delivery is superb and she makes the likes of Kerr and Simon up front even more dangerous.

All class from Van Egmond.

Tameka Yallop - 7.5

Decent involvement and some nice distribution. Subbed in the 68th minute.

Caitlin Foord - 7

A brilliant early assist but overall, not her best game. Missed an open goal when she hit the post after doing well to get past the keeper.

Sam Kerr - 8

A double from the super star who just loves scoring for Australia. Netted a penalty off the upright much to her relief.

Did what she needed to do and that is all we need from Sam Kerr.

Kyah Simon - 6.5

Nice for her to get some game time. Some neat touches but wasn't always accurate with her passing. Will be better for the run.

Subbed in the 58th minute

SUBS

Hayley Raso - 6.5

Came on in the 58th minute and showed plenty of energy, but a dive won her a penalty in the 80th minute. She won't be proud of the replay.

Elise Kellond-Knight - 6

A few sloppy touches but got involved enough for the short period of time she had. Came on in the 68th minute

Emily Gielnik - n/a

Late sub