Young Matildas qualify with perfect record

Australia 3-0 Chinese Taipei

by Kieran Yap (11/8/25)

Above: Australia’s starting lineup. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia’s Young Matildas have qualified for the U20 Asian Cup. The 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei capped off a perfect campaign where they scored 20 goals and conceded none. Skye Halmarick starred once again with a brace in the final game, while Talia Younis’s work on the right flank forced the opening goal.

Australia were able to dominate possession early and were patient without being ponderous. The ball zipped along the ground while they looked to open up space on the wings. The packed Chinese Taipei defence made the final ball difficult however, and crosses were often lofted in too high or sent in from deeper areas of the pitch. Halmarick leapt at an early header but could not direct the ball on target.

Chinese Taipei played nine players behind the ball, with only one striker up top. This allowed Australias fullback’s Teagan Bertolissio and India Breier to get high up the pitch and join attacks on the wings or by cutting inside.

Zara Kruger wore the armband and partnered by Maddy Caspers and Avaani Prakash helped control the midfield while pushing Australia forward at every opportunity. Still that first goal remained elusive despite their dominance.

It arrived in the 38^th minute through the trickery of Younis. Her low cross in was almost met by Caspers but deflected off a Chinese Taipei defender and into the net. It was a fortunate way to score, but a well deserved lead.

Encouraged by the goal and with more space opening up as their opponents chased the game, Australia grew in confidence. Breier’s 30 yard attempt looked good off the boot but skimmed over the top of the goal.

The second half saw Australia increase their lead. Halmarick’s clever volleyed flick eluded the goalkeeper in the 63^rd minute. The introduction of Sienna Saveska and Caley Tallon-Henniker into the game helped keep the pressure on Chinese Taipei.

The match was sealed by a moment of pure quality. Halmarick received the ball out wide on the right and danced into the penalty box, she twisted, turned and shaped to shoot, keeping the defenders guessing before hitting a high curling effort from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 and book Australia’s spot in the Asian Cup.

Skye Halmarick has been a terrific find this year. After 19 goals in as many games in the NSW NPLW, she has seamlessly carried that form into the national team setup. She is tall, but fast and has a natural strikers instinct. She is dangerous off either foot and can beat an offside trap with impressive timing and enviable acceleration.

This was a remarkable tournament by the 17 year old striker and an excellent one by The Young Matildas as a squad. They were thoroughly professional in their approach to each game. The 14 goal win in the opening game was followed up by two more convincing if not as mathematically amazing performances.

There is at least a decade of football ahead for many of these players, and the future for the game is bright, but right now we look forward to seeing them in the Asian Cup.

Congratulations to all the players, Alex Epakis and his staff.

Teams: CHINESE TAIPEI: Jian, Li, Lo, Chang, Chuan, Kao, Fu, Huang, Lin Szu-Ying, Lin Pin-Hsin. Substitutes: Chian, Ma, Wu, Li Yi-Syuan, Liao, Li Pei-Yao, Deng, Li Yu-Hui, Wang, Hung I-Ping, Chen.

AUSTRALIA: Melegh, Bertolissio, Breier, Halmarick, Fuller, Kruger, Apostolakis, Prakash, Caspers, Younis, Sullivan. Substitutes: Bennett, Lobo, Dewey, Broughton, Luchtmeijer, Cassar, Saveska, Black, Fante, Tallon-Henniker, Trimis, Kinsella.

Goals: Halmarick 64’ 75’ Own Goal 38’

Referee: TBC

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