Sam Kerr finds the back of the net in Australia’s win over Iran

It was a tougher-than-expected night for the Matildas against Iran in front of a sold out Perth crowd.

Sam Kerr delivered for her hometown fans with a second-half goal as the Matildas made heavy work of their 2-0 win over Iran in Thursday night’s Olympic Games qualifier in Perth.

Despite dominating their outclassed opponents at a sold out HBF Park, the Matildas needed until the 78th minute to seal the victory when captain Kerr netted her 65th international goal.

Having started the match on the bench with the majority of Australia’s FIFA Women’s World Cup heroes, Kerr tapped home from close range after being the beneficiary of a delightful build-up that involved fellow substitutes Mary Fowler and Steph Catley.

Chelsea star Kerr should have scored again in stoppage time but wasted another golden opportunity.

It was the story of the night for the Australians, who despite never being threatened by the Iranians, lacked a cutting edge in their attacking third, which ensured there wouldn’t be the blowout scoreline many had predicted.

The Matildas celebrate an Ellie Carpenter goal against Iran. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

And while there might be the excuse that the experimental Matildas line-up lacked cohesion, coach Tony Gustavsson will demand more on Sunday when the Australians meet the Philippines at Optus Stadium.

The Philippines, who are coached by Western United’s A-League women’s mentor Mark Torcaso, will go into the match leading the qualifying group after thrashing Chinese Taipei 4-1 in Thursday night’s early match at HBF.

The Matildas then took centre stage, with Gustavsson living up to his pre-game promise to rotate his squad, something he was reluctant to do during this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Only two players – veteran centre-back Clare Polkinghorne and right-back Ellie Carpenter – that started in Australia’s 3-1 World Cup semi-final loss to England were part of Thursday night’s starting team.

Carpenter opened the scoring in the 19th minute, but the floodgates that had then been expected to subsequently open, didn’t, with the well-organised Iranians doing well to frustrate the Australians.

Polkinghorne didn’t return for the start of the second-half, with Alanna Kennedy replacing her.

More of the Matildas’ World Cup stars where to enter the fray in the second-half, with the biggest cheer coming when Kerr came on with less than half an hour remaining.

Her goal was what the fans wanted, but more was expected of the Australians against the world’s 63rd ranked nation.

Originally published as Sam Kerr finds the back of the net in Australia’s win over Iran