Sam Kerr hit a first-half hat-trick as the Matildas made it two wins from two at the Tournament of Nations.
Just three days after their historic win over the United States, the Matildas were back in action against on-field rivals Japan.
However, things did not start well in San Diego for Australia, with Mina Tanaka giving Japan the lead in just the six minute following a headed goal from a corner.
But it took the Matildas just five minutes to strike back, with the in-form Kerr putting it into an empty net following a super run from Hayley Raso down the right wing.
After another five minutes the Matildas were ahead, once again Kerr finding the net after a fantastic solo run.
It's the @samkerr1 show! A 🎩🎩🎩 for our star striker at the break. 1-3 #GoMatildas #JPNvAUS #ToN2017 #SamKerrFacts pic.twitter.com/3UORSloJOO
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 30, 2017
The 23-year-old completed her hat-trick on 43 minutes, giving the Matildas a two-goal buffer heading into the break.
A penalty from Emily Van Egmond made it 4-1 just after the hour mark, before Japan struck a consolation goal in stoppage time.
The win puts the Matildas on six points after two games, five ahead of both Japan and Brazil, with the latter yet to play their second game.
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