However, the players will be waiting to see which powerhouse nation - either Brazil or the USA - they will face after progressing as a 'best third place' side.

It was a scintillating performance by the Matildas and after Canada defeated Germany 2-1 in the game played simultaneously, Australia needed seven, but fell short after a consolation goal.

Beginning with all guns blazing, Matildas found themselves in front after two minutes when Elise Kellond-Knight played through Katrina Gorry whose cut in managed to find Lisa De Vanna to make it 1-0.

The lead was then doubled after the 15th minute, Kellond-Knight’s corner managed to find Clare Polkinghorne who tapped it home, it was questionable defending by Nobuhle Majika who was standing at the back of the net when the ball crossed the line.

Moments later there was cluster of Australian chances, De Vanna managed to hit the post and a goal mouth scramble to follow from a corner, but to no avail.

It could have been costly as Zimbabwe’s only chance of the first half came before the half hour mark after Gorry was dispossessed by Msipa Emmaculate, however young goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was able to sweep it away.

Minutes later Australia punished the Zimbabweans as Kellond-Knight was involved again after her corner delivery paid dividends for the second time when a rising Alanna Kennedy made it 3-0.

The dominance continued five minutes into the second half, Steph Catley registered an assist when her sizzling long ball got to Kyah Simon who struck first time to make it four for Australia.

At the 55th minute it continued when substitute Michelle Heyman scored from Emily Van Egmond’s corner.

The duo combined again nine minutes later when Van Egmond's dink to Heyman made it 6-0 for the Aussies.

Catley almost claimed her third international goal and more importantly the seventh goal Australia needed for a second placed finish in Group F, but was denied by substitute goalkeeper Lindiwe Magwede.

Zimbabwe found a lot of the ball in the closing stages and managed to get a consolation goal after a fast counter attack saw Marjory Nyaumwe set up Msipa to pull one back.

Australia now find themselves in a meeting against either Brazil or United States in the knockout stage.