SYDNEY, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Striker Michelle Heyman produced a hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes before a rampant Australia sealed a place at the Paris Olympics after thrashing Uzbekistan 10-0 in Melbourne on Wednesday.
In the return leg of its Asian Olympic qualifying playoff clash, Australia ensured plenty of cheers for the partisan 54,120-person crowd at Marvel Stadium with Heyman scoring four of her team's eight first-half goals.
"Everything we set out to do, we've done, so it's a proud moment for us to get to another Olympics," said Australia's stand-in captain Steph Catley.
Australia's women's national football team, popularly nicknamed "the Matildas," had already all but confirmed their spot in Paris after downing Uzbekistan 3-0 in Tashkent on Saturday.
After capturing the imagination of a nation and finishing fourth as hosts of last year's ground-breaking FIFA Women's World Cup, Australia appears a medal contender in Paris.
The Matildas did not miss injured captain Sam Kerr with the experienced Heyman completely dominating up front after an own goal in the opening minute from Dilrabo Asadova kick-started Uzbekistan's hapless performance.
Manchester City star Mary Fowler produced plenty of trademark skill and fired into the back of the net in the 36th minute as Australia ran Uzbekistan ragged in warm conditions that contrasted the freezing weather experienced in Tashkent.
Kaitlyn Torpey and Caitlin Foord also scored to complete Australia's spectacular first-half.
Uzbekistan mustered more resolve after the interval, but Hayley Raso produced a clinical finish in the 68th minute before a late strike from Amy Sayer ensured Australia to reach double figures on the scoreboard. ■
