But it wasn’t a perfect performance from Australia so here are three things we learned.

1. If you don’t shoot, you don’t score

While Chile didn’t have many opportunities in the final third, when they did penetrate they peppered the goal. In the 19th minute, Rojas attacked the byline and squeezed the ball past Gema Simon to threaten the goal. When the ball bounced clear, the ball was blasted in, forcing Arnold to tip the ball over the crossbar. Australia didn’t show the same go-to-goal attitude in the first half.  

We saw a different Australia in the second half. Foord pressed on, teeing up Kerr for the first goal, and scoring three times herself. Emily Van Egmond had a few long range strikes, as did Emily Gielnick who was rewarded in the 69th minute with a first touch strike into the bottom right corner.

2. When not in control, Australia become desperate

Australia’s first and second touch has to improve if they are to control games. The first half was a festival of turnovers and unforced errors. Australia were showing almost too much physical desperation to win the ball back, committing needless fouls and finding themselves tangled in the legs of the Chileans, yet not showing enough desire and patience to keep the ball.

The Matildas’ confidence improved after going two goals up, and the Chilean press subsided somewhat to give Australia a little more lenience with their control. Foord showed in the second half that she still has the magic touch, and her layoff to Kerr for the first goal was sublime.

3. Fitness was key

Australia’s fitness is a boon, and helped them finish out the match with a mammoth scoreline. If the Matildas can keep their heads, their bodies will deliver. Australia looked rattled in the first half, battling the conditions, the Chileans, and the referee. Ellie Carpenter’s endurance and speed to motor up the right then left flanks to tee up opportunities is an example, as is the consistency Kellond-Knight continues to show through the midfield.