SPEARWOOD’S Lisa De Vanna scored the opening goal as the Matildas booked their place in the quarter finals of the Rio Olympics with a big win over Zimbabwe at Arena Fonte Nova.
The Australians won 6-1 after dominating the majority of the match, although Zimbabwe did find some reward for their effort with a late consolation goal to Msipa Emmalulate.
The result means Alen Stajcic’s side will play either Brazil or the USA in the first phase of the knockout stages.
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READ NOWAny sort of win would have pushed Australia through to the next point of the tournament.
But the Australians were chasing seven goals to capitalise on any slip-ups in the group’s other match between Canada and Germany that would offer them a slightly easier path to gold.
De Vanna gave Australia a great start, latching onto a perfectly weighted cut-back pass from Katrina Gorry to finish in just the second minute.
Clare Polkinghorne consolidated the lead just 13 minutes later after she dabbed home a ball into the box from out wide.
Defender Alanna Kennedy put the icing on a great first half by heading home from a corner after finding space at the back post in the 37th minute.
Australia’s 3-0 lead was extended soon after the break when Kyah Simon put home Steph Catley’s slicing ball that dissected the Zimbabwe defence.
Michelle Heyman then came off the bench to score a quick double and take the score to 6 – 0.
Australia had plenty of chances to score a seventh, but could not take their opportunities.
Zimbabwe also came good late, finishing strongly and securing a consolation goal through Emmalulate.
Canada topped the group after going undefeated after three matches. Germany finished second with four points. Australia finished third with four points but a worse goal difference. Zimbabwe was fourth with no wins.