Sam Kerr breaks Philippines resistance as Matildas reach Asian Cup last eight

Australia have maintained their perfect start to the Women’s Asian Cup with a 4-0 win over the Philippines, securing safe passage to the quarter-finals in the process.

After being held goalless in the opening half, Sam Kerr’s sixth goal of the tournament and 55th in Australian colours finally broke the deadlock against a well-drilled Philippines coached by former Matildas manager Alen Stajcic.

An own goal and Emily van Egmond’s fourth goal of the tournament then gave Tony Gustavsson’s team breathing space as the Philippines’ resistance crumbled. Mary Fowler’s classy finish from the edge of the box in the 88th minute wrapped up the victory.

Despite the scoreline, Monday’s game was a stark contrast to Friday’s opening fixture against Indonesia where Australia held a nine-goal half-time advantage on their way to an 18-0 thrashing of the world No 94-ranked team.

Buoyed by a shock win over Thailand in their opening fixture, the Philippines came out firing with Chandler McDaniel firing an early effort wide.

Australia’s frustration grew as chances went begging when Kerr, scorer of five goals in the Indonesia rout, screamed in anguish after steering a free header from a Steph Catley delivery wide of the goal after the half-hour mark.

Relief came for the Matildas in the second half when Kerr headed home another dangerous Catley corner to give Australia the breakthrough they’d been searching for. One became two in a flash when Dominique Randle headed into her own net under pressure from Kerr. Van Egmond, scorer of a hat-trick in the Indonesian demolition, then finished off another set-piece move in the 67th minute.

With the game secure, Gustavsson turned to his bench, Sydney FC attacker Cortnee Vine making her debut for the