'Nightmare' 24-second start as Matildas lose heavily to USA

The Matildas had arguably their worst-ever start when the USA found the back of the net just 24 seconds into today's friendly.

After kick-off at Sydney's Stadium Australia, the ball was chipped and headed around as the Australians quickly found themselves defending.

The home side never recovered from that early setback, losing 3-0 in front of a record crowd of 36,109.

USA's Lynn Williams executed a sparkling through-ball header as striker Ashley Hatch found herself one on one with Australian goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

AS IT HAPPENED: Matildas well beaten by USA

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And Hatch made no mistake of the early opportunity, burying the ball in the bottom-right corner.

"Worst possible start," said Network 10 caller Robbie Thomson.

"A nightmare start for the Matildas.

"Probably the fastest goal (Hatch) will ever score. Just 24 seconds in."

Australia settled their way into the game afterwards, and should have scored one, if not multiple goals, in the final 10 minutes of the half.

The most glorious chance came at the feet of Kyah Simon, who somehow blazed her shot over the target with the keeper beaten and the goal just a couple of metres away.

The Australians went into the sheds with their tails up, but the second half went just like the first as Rose Lavelle grabbed a goal shortly after the break to make it 2-0.

A contentious penalty call 20 minutes later allowed Lindsey Horan to convert from the spot, making it 3-0 to the visitors.

The Matildas' clash today at Stadium Australia was the opening match of a two-game series against the No.1-ranked USA.

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That early goal stunned fans across social media, with USA pundits cheering as Australians were left speechless.