Wednesday saw four West Ham United women’s team players in action on the international stage.
Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry both featured as Australia booked their place at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris with a thumping 10-0 win over Uzbekistan.
Qualification was all but secured before a ball was kicked at Marvel Stadium thanks to a 3-0 victory in the first leg in Tashkent, but Tony Gustavsson’s side put one a scintillating show for a sold-out crowd in Melbourne.
Michelle Heyman scored four goals in the rout, whilst Kaitlyn Torpey, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso and Amy Sayer all found the net in a convincing win.
With a place booked at the Paris Olympics, to be held in July and August this year, the Matildas have the opportunity to go one better than they did at the record-breaking World Cup in 2023.
Japan also secured their spot at this summer’s Olympics with a narrow 2-1 win over Korea DPR at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Nadeshiko found a way to come out on top in another tightly contested affair. Hana Takahasi opened the scoring for Japan on 25 minutes before Risa Shimizu laid on an assist for Aoba Fujino to double their advantage with 15 minutes to play.
A goal from Hye-Yong Kim made for an uncomfortable final ten minutes, but Japan was able to clinch the win and reach the games.
Riko Ueki also featured in the match, coming off the bench in the closing stages.
Shelina Zadorsky had a night to remember when she scored twice for Canada in their 3-0 victory over Costa Rica to make it three wins from three from their CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage matches.
The defender was making her second appearance of the competition and headed in the second goal of the game on 26 minutes after making contact with a corner delivered to the back post by Adriana Leon.
Then, 30 minutes later, Zadorksy again rose highest at the back post to seal the victory.
Jordyn Huitema also scored with her head to seal a convincing win at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, setting up a quarter-final tie that will see the two sides meet again, this time in Los Angeles.
Canada will take on Costa Rica in the quarter final on Sunday 3 March, with kick off scheduled for 11am GMT.
