Filipinas yield against Matildas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ defense managed to hold Australia’s world-class target-women for a good 14 minutes. But when the Matildas finally broke through, the underdog Filipinas couldn’t stop the hosts’ rampage and the inevitable.

Punished by a five-goal spree in the first half led by Aussie superstar Sam Kerr, the Pinay booters absorbed a comprehensive 0-8 defeat in the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in front of a 59,155-strong pro-Matildas crowd yesterday at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Kerr, Australia’s all-time top scorer and one of the best players in women’s football, and Caitlin Foord, another England-based stalwart, each blasted a hat trick to power the Matildas to a follow-up to their 2-0 disposal of Iran in the Group A opener.