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The Matildas are enjoying a surge in self belief after getting the "monkey off the back" with their first-ever win over world champions United States.
Australia ended 30 years of pain against the US in Seattle on Friday (AEST) with the historic 1-0 victory at the Tournament of Nations.
But according to Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, what was more important than erasing some tough memories was what the win means for their future.
Tameka Butt's volleyed finish against the Americans ensured the Matildas earned a maiden victory over the reigning World Cup winners and current number one-ranked side.
Stajcic said clearing the hoodoo would allow the Matildas, who had managed just two draws in their 27 previous appearances against the US, to believe they could beat any side in the world.
"To get that monkey off the back, it adds to our belief," he said.
"Japan we've beaten at their home. America we've beaten at their home. They're the last two World Cup finalists.
"We had a draw with Germany at the Olympics last year and they end up winning the gold medal.
"We've shown we can beat the best teams in the world on their home turf and the challenge is now for us to do it for a few games in a row at a major tournament to win the thing."
Stajcic said he felt the win was two years in the making.
The Matildas played the US in their 2015 World Cup opener in Canada, serving it up to the heavyweights but losing 3-1.
Stajcic said the fact that US goalkeeper Hope Solo was named best afield two years ago said it all about the Matildas' performance.
"It was a real shot in the arm for the team and it laid down the marker for the win," he said.
"After that performance we knew we could take it to the big teams and outplay them.
"Even though the result didn't go our way it laid the platform and the foundations in terms of belief."
Butt said the Matildas were not surprised by the historical result.
"That's the atmosphere in the changing room right now … it's a big night for us," she said.
"But we went into the game knowing and believing in our ability that it was a great chance to beat them.
"To do it while they are number one and in their home country was the icing on the cake."
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was among many to offer congratulations to the Matildas via social media, describing their win as "stunning".
The Matildas will play local rival Japan on Monday (AEST) and Brazil on Friday (AEST) to close out the Tournament of Nations.
AAP
Topics: soccer, sport, united-states
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