Hayley Raso nabbed the first two goals of the Cup of Nations clash, off a ricochet and a header, before Sam Kerr extended the Matildas' lead to 3-0 when she bunted in a blocked ball from close range.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:<\/strong> 'It was ridiculous': Aussie Test debacle shredded<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Football giants hit by $2.1 million corruption scandal<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> 'Dreaded' curse hanging over Rabbitohs star<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Polkinghorne then iced the emphatic win in the 84th minute, glancing the ball past the Czech Republic goalkeeper off a cross.<\/p>\n In recognition of Polkinghorne's magnificent career, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson had made the 34-year-old captain for the Gosford encounter.<\/p>\n Polkinghorne, who replaced Kerr as skipper in her milestone match, said she was "really proud" of clinching the Matildas games record\ufeff.<\/p>\n "I love putting on this jersey and representing the country and the Matildas," Polkinghorne added on Channel 10's post-game coverage.<\/p>\n "It's just so nice to be back at home playing with this team. We had a few months apart, so it's nice to get back into training and \ufefffinish our preparations for the World Cup."<\/p>\n Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry\ufeff had glowing words for Polkinghorne following the match.<\/p>\n "What an amazing achievement for such a great player," Gorry said on the Channel 10 broadcast.<\/p>\n "To be out here playing with her today and to get the win for her \u2014 it's really special.<\/p>\n "I'm really proud to have played alongside her for many, many years, and I'm sure she's got many (years) still left in her."\ufeff<\/p>\n Polkinghorne collected her 152nd Matildas cap to pinch the games record from Cheryl Salisbury.\ufeff<\/p>\n The Australians are now set to meet Spain at Sydney's CommBank Stadium on Sunday.<\/p>\n Spain \ufeffdowned Jamaica 3-0 at Central Coast Stadium earlier on Thursday.<\/p>\n \ufeff<\/em>For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here<\/strong><\/em><\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n
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