Two late goals dashed Australia's hopes of a positive result against USA in the 2015 Women's World Cup after coming so close to humbling the heavyweights and title favourites.
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It may be remembered as a routine win for the USA, but they were made to work far harder than many predicted against a gallant Australia side.
For periods, Australia had their opponents frustrated with relentless defence and immediate attack. It was a match heralded as the potential start of Australia's break into the top ten, however as much as some things changed with a fast-paced squad, much remained the same.
For captain Lisa De Vanna - a self confessed problem child - she displayed her newfound maturity in leading her country, but her complete disregard for the establishment still crept in. In her hundredth game, she threatened to spoil the party for the dominant USA with a goal to equalise and bring hope of an incredible result.
For the tournament favourites, there was a moment where they appeared to be on their way to their own shock result, a failure to win against the Australians. Though just as quickly as that thought simmered through Winnipeg, normal service resumed.
The warning signs were there early for the USA, who had under-fire goalkeeper Hope Solo to thank for saving an early goal. Emily Van Egmond had a shot from the edge of the box tipped onto the crossbar early by mere fingernails.
The USA were almost cocky in the build-up, saying they expected to take an early lead against Australia, but it was only through luck that the statement proved prophetic rather than arrogant.
USA captain Megan Rapinoe latched on to a loose ball outside the box, and with a neat turn opened up space to shoot. It had power, but it was a deflection that beat Melissa Barbieri, with the Matildas goalkeeper left to watch the ball dip into the net.
However, it didn't last long. Just as the chants of "USA" echoed across the stadium, Australia's captain silenced the 31,148 mostly American fans.
Playing in her 100th international, De Vanna made it a moment to saviour, finishing a slick passing move that would have humbled the American defence. A quick passing build-up cut through America's defence and when Michelle Heyman flicked on the ball to De Vanna, there was only one outcome - a calm finish from close range.
It rattled the giants of women's football and before they could move off the ropes, Australia landed the body blows. De Vanna, Katrina Gorry and Servet Uzunlar raised the physicality in the hope of stifling the Americans with fierce challenges. It worked, as what rhythm USA had wore down, and the Matildas found space on the counter, only for De Vanna and Caitlin Foord to be denied by stoic last-ditch defending.
Though for all their spirit, determination alone couldn't overrun class. Against the route-one tactics the Matildas had been preparing to handle for four months, the Americans took the lead. A long ball into space allowed forward Sydney Le Roux to cut inside from the wing and a well-weighted cutback gave Christen Press a chance to restore the lead with a composed finish.
There was no looking back for a team of such pedigree, and the win was made certain in the 78th minute. It was Rapinoe yet again who punished Australia, strolling through the defence to finish easily to seal the win.
