Australia were frustrated as Iran kept it at 4-0 and now face South Korea in a decider to top Asian Cup group

The goals flowed quickly, easily, and then – when the hosts needed just one more – not at all. Their 4-0 victory over a brave Iran side leaves the Matildas facing an uncertain path to Asian Cup glory, even if they have now booked a place in the quarter-finals.

It was a night that began with fireworks but dissolved in the Gold Coast rain to a turgid trial. Initially there was promise for Matildas fans, but then tiring frustration, made worse by a pair of horror head impacts for substitute Hayley Raso.