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The Matildas have claimed the Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win against Argentina sparked, once again, by captain fantastic Sam Kerr.
The Australian skipper rose bravely and superbly to give her side a lead after less than four minutes, ensuring a Matildas win was never in doubt on Wednesday night at Melbourne's AAMI Park.
Alanna Kennedy doubled Australia's advantage from Elise Kellond-Knight's corner from the other flag on the half-hour mark, with Caitlin Foord completing the rout with an injury-time penalty.
It was far from being the overpowering win that many were predicting, with the South Americans butchering several chances to score their first goal of the tournament.
But it was more than enough to claim the trophy ahead of South Korea, which earlier defeated New Zealand 2-0 at the same ground.
The Matildas claimed three wins in Ante Milicic's first week in charge; beating New Zealand 2-0 in Sydney and South Korea 4-1 at Lang Park on Sunday.
While all three opponents are bound for June's World Cup, none have serious designs on winning the tournament like Australia does, making the Matildas' triumph an expected result.
But given the Matildas' month of struggle that followed coach Alen Stajcic's firing and Milicic's hiring, there was plenty of merit in their toil.
Coach Milicic made nine changes to the side that ran away from South Korea in Brisbane and was rewarded with some strong performances.
Kennedy was strong on her return in defence, as was Steph Catley, who deputised for Laura Alleway at centre-back after she was injured in the first half.
Amy Harrison was bright on her first national team start in two years, as was her half-time replacement Aivi Luik.
Up front, Kerr and long-time strike partner Foord were fleet of foot, keeping Argentina's defence honest all night.
ABC/AAP
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Topics: sport, soccer, australia, vic, melbourne-3000, argentina
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