The Matildas have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics after securing a massive 10-0 win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday night.
Without an injured Sam Kerr, the Australians managed to demolish their opposition, with veteran striker Michelle Heyman scoring 4 of the team’s 10 goals. It was an epic comeback story for the 35-year-old who has just rejoined the team and hasn’t played for the Matildas since 2016.
“It’s been a very emotional roller coaster,” Heyman told media afterwards. “I’ve been pushing so hard to try and get back into the squad. And as soon as I got the email to say that you’re back in, I’m not letting it go.”
“It’s just been a long and a hard journey, but it’s been so rewarding because it’s worth so much more this time around, because of the hard work I’ve actually put in to get to where I am today.”
Caitlin Foord, Kaitlyn Torpey, Mary Fowler, Hayley Raso and Amy Sayer also scored goals. It was Sayer’s first international goal.
The Matildas played in front of a sold out crowd of 54,120 fans at Marvel Stadium. It was the 12th consecutive game played by the Matildas in Australia to sell out.
The 10-0 win came after the Matildas previously beat Uzbekistan in Tashkent, 3-0.
After the win, Olympic hero Anna Meares presented the Matildas with their ticket to the Paris Olympics, while Cathy Freeman also attended to congratulate the players.
The Matildas are now locked in for the Paris Olympics, due to begin in July. Coach Tony Gustavsson is working on selecting the squad that will go to Paris.
“For me, it’s not just about the quality of one player, it’s about the chemistry between players and when I select the squad for the Olympics, I might leave out some players who are better individually but it’s about building the best team,” he said.