Hat-trick hero Emily van Egmond racked up big numbers across the park in the Westfield Matildas six goal win over Thailand, earning plenty of plaudits as the Player of the Match.
The dynamic Melbourne City star led the scoring returns in the impressive win for Ante Milicic’s side – moving to ninth on the Westfield Matildas all-time scoring list with 21 goals in 94 appearances – while also contributing a second-half assist for teammate Kyah Simon.
All told, van Egmond let rip with seven of the Westfield Matildas' 38 shots on goal on the night as she proved relentless in the ‘number ten’ role – and almost netted a fourth when her strike from outside the box was only denied by the crossbar.
In addition to her finishing touch, the Newcastle-native created eight scoring chances in addition to providing 15 crosses and 60 passes with her 91 touches.
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Pass map: van Egmond delivered seven key passes against Thailand
The shining performance comes after the 26-year-old delivered a trio of assists in just 45 minutes in her side’s opening win of the tournament on Friday.
Van Egmond now leads the Westfield Matildas' assist count in the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, while also becoming Australia's equal top scorer alongside Caitlin Foord.
Westfield Matildas head coach Ante Milicic praised ven Egmond's performance post-match, saying: "She has goals in her game, she has got assists, she is intelligent. She is very brave with her passing as well as her positioning and she understands the situation."
Of course, van Egmond benefitted from the supply of her teammates, in particular tireless full-back Ellie Carpenter, who delivered the telling passes for her opening two goals among her nine crosses on the night.
Second-half substitute Sam Kerr, usually one to convert opportunities, also came away from the contest with two assists. After entering the fray on the hour, she teed up Kyah Simon and Hayley Raso as the Westfield Matildas delivered four goals in a blistering six-minute spell.
And while Thailand failed to generate any clear scoring chances of their own against the dominate hosts, this was in large part to the defensive organisation that prevented them from transitioning effectively on the counter attack.
Jenna McCormick proved indomitable in her central defensive role – winning both her tackles and six of her seven duals across the 90 minutes. While alongside her, Alanna Kennedy also played the spoiler with a team-leading five interceptions.
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Match Schedule – Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers – Group B
Matchday 4 – Thursday 13 February 2020
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
- Australia v China PR – 7.30pm AEDT
Broadcast: Live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App – delayed on ABC TV.
International viewers - Live streamed via My Football YouTube channel
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