The Matildas may not yet be the world's No.1, but after another impressive display to sink South American powerhouse Brazil, they may just have proved they have the world's best attack.
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Australia's coach Alen Stajcic certainly believes as much, boldly declaring his front three the best in the world after their 2-1 win over Brazil at Pepper Stadium in Penrith where veteran Lisa De Vanna struck a wonder goal and potential World Player of the Year Sam Kerr continued her rise to fame.
"I think Sam, Caitlin Foord and her complement each other really well and probably makes us ... the most threatening front three in the world," Stajcic said.
On the back of their Tournament of Nations triumph, and in their first home match in 15 months, the Matildas showed exactly why the "house full" sign was raised at Pepper Stadium with another impressive victory against the South American giants.
It was a match marked by the brilliance of De Vanna, who has no shortage of stunning strikes in her portfolio but saved one of the best for the biggest of occasions. In front of a sell-out crowd in Sydney (a first for a women's football match), against the backdrop of Australia's 2023 Women's World Cup bid, watched nationally on free-to-air television and against a nation with more prestige in world football than any other, the veteran delivered an advertising campaign money couldn't buy.
But it didn't start according to plan for Australia, who were fortunate not to have conceded a Rosanna Augusto free header from a corner early on and spurned a gilt-edged chance of their own when Foord couldn't guide Kerr's shot into an empty net.
Chances were otherwise few and far between during a cagey first half when the foul count soared, despite a lenient referee. Late challenges became the norm, and niggling off-the-ball tussles stifled both teams' creative outlets. Brazil abandoned "joga bonito" for a more agricultural style, all in spite of the presence of five-time World Player of the Year Marta.
The Matildas were no shrinking violets either, but delivered the "beautiful game" with their own moment of magic. From more than 20 metres out, De Vanna struck a breathtaking, looping, left-foot volley past goalkeeper Dani Neuhaus to break the deadlock in the 42nd minute.
It sparked an immediate response from the visitors, who returned from the break with more poise and possession. They almost drew level with their own long-range brilliance before the hour mark when Andressinha's fierce drive rattled the post.
For the most part, Brazil still couldn't find a way through Australia's aggressive press and, after 67 minutes, they crumbled again. Kerr showed why she's becoming one of the most valuable players in women's football, rising above towering defenders to score with a deft, glancing header with her back to goal.
It sparked a jubilant response from the crowd of 15,089, who remained on their feet when goalkeeper Lydia Williams thwarted another superb long-range shot from Brazil, saving captain Cristiane's curling shot off the post.
The South Americans gave themselves a glimmer of hope in the 79th minute when Cristiane's clever chip into the box was perfectly read by substitute Debinha, who calmly finished a one-on-one with Williams to draw back to 2-1.
It failed to turn the tide. Australia came close to sealing the win when Kerr had two headers cleared off the line in as many minutes before being replaced to a standing ovation. Not even a late chance for Debinha to equalise could take the shine of a friendly result that could mean a lot more in time to come.
