Matildas won the first leg of the Olympic qualification playoffs, defeating Uzbekistan 3-0.
Michelle Heyman scored her first international goal in almost eight years, securing a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan and bringing the Matildas closer to a place at the Paris Olympics.
Australia’s first match since Sam Kerr’s ACL injury in January was a scratchy affair, with Emily van Egmond missing one sitter and failing to convert two other chances.
Heyman, 35, replaced van Egmond off the bench in the 65th minute, and she scored her 21st goal for Australia.
Mary Fowler scored a sublime individual goal in the 84th minute, and Caitlin Foord headed home in the 86th to seal the victory.
Australia now has a crucial 3-0 lead in the tie. Debutant Kaitlyn Torpey started on the wing, but was hooked for Foord at half-time.
Australia had 75% of possession in the first half but had only four shots and one on target.
Australia should have taken the lead in the 21st minute when Torpey tried to square for van Egmond instead of shooting.
Hayley Raso’s first-time strike was wide, and van Egmond’s header failed to reach the target.
Fowler intercepted a clearance and scored a long-range strike, while Caitlin Foord found space to turn home a Steph Catley cross to wrap up proceedings.
