WATCH: Records shattered as Commbank Matildas open Asian Cup campaign in style

The Commonwealth Bank Matildas AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign got off to the perfect start with a record-breaking 18-0 victory in their first group stage match against Indonesia in Mumbai.

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Australian captain and recent FIFA Best Player finalist Sam Kerr went into tonight's match knowing just a single goal would put her level with Socceroos legend Tim Cahill, as the nation's greatest ever goalscorer. The 28-year-old not satisfied with sharing the mantle, took the goalscoring record outright, and comfortably, scoring five against Indonesia to improve her international goal tally to 54.

Indonesia knew the quality of the Chelsea forward, yet were unable to contain her darting runs on the edge of the box, with Kerr opening the scoring for Australia after nine minutes. 

The record-breaking moment came just two minutes later, as a pinpoint ball through the middle of the Indonesian defence by Emily Van Egmond, found the captain in space, who fired expertly past the 17-year-old goalkeeper. 

The records continued to fall as a 26th minute penalty secured the hat-trick for Sam Kerr. Not content with three, Kerr piled on the misery either side of half-time, with goals in the 36th and 45th minute respectfully.

 

Emily Van Egmond produced a timeless performance, back in her preferred attacking midfield position, scoring four goals and setting up a number of others. 

Another sentimental milestone goal came from the previously retired Aivi Luik, who showed all the athleticism that warranted selection in the 23-player squad for the tournament. The 36-year-old raced to the front post off a Catley corner, sticking her right leg out as the ball flew past her, with the slightest of touches from her heel guiding the ball past the helpless goalkeeper.

Special mention also went out to Ellie Carpenter, who may not have been a noted goalscorer previously, but the full-back produced two spectacular long range efforts.

The large lead allowed Gustavsson to experiment with his substitutes early, with Yallop, Simon, Luik, and Nevin all entering the match at half-time. But the introduction of Melbourne City's Holly McNamara was most memorable, with the starlet making her international debut midway through the second half. The 18-year-old impressed in half an hour of action, utilising her speed and strength to get in behind the opposition defence, with just the width of the post denying her a debut international goal.

Just a week ago, McNamara joined the squad in Dubai as an extended member, but a lengthy stint of minutes in her first game highlights how much the teenager has impressed Gustavsson and his staff.

 

The Commonwealth Bank Matildas will move onto their next group stage opponent when they face the Philippines on Monday.

Philippines v Commonwealth Bank Matildas
Date: Monday, 24 January 2022
Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Kick-off:  3.30pm (local), 9pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live and Exclusive on Network 10 and 10 Play

Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Thailand
Date: Thursday, 27 January 2022 / Friday, 28 January 2022
Venue: Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Kick-off: 7.30pm (local), 01:00am (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live and Exclusive on Network 10 and 10 Play

For more information on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, please visit here.