Trimis, Halmarick Reflect on AFC U-20 Opener Win

Peta Trimis and Skye Halmarick scored two goals apiece as the CommBank Young Matildas kicked off their Asian Cup campaign with a 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei.

They reflected on the importance of getting the tournament off to a good start, the togetherness of the squad, and what they will take from the match going forward.

"I'm super grateful that I had the opportunity to start this game," Halmarick said.

"This is the exact step that we want to take in this tournament. We'll just keep pushing through."

"It will set the tone for the rest of the tournament," Trimis added.

Halmarick praised her teammates for their service in a game where they had the majority of possession.

"We have the ball a lot in these games, and the more time we have on the ball, that's the more chance I can score," she said.

"The players around me here, the balls coming in, they're perfect. If I can get my head on it, that's good."

The positive relationships between the players were reflected in the way that they performed on the pitch. Trimis praised the culture of the squad.

"The togetherness is a really big part of our team," she said.

"The culture helps us on and off the field. I'm just grateful for this group of girls always helping me, and being out there with them."

"I look forward to these camps every time I get called up," Halmarick agreed.

"I play some of my best football here. The coaching staff and the players around me allow me to play to my strengths. That's key for me."

Both players said that they will take their lessons from this game into the rest of the tournament.

"In games like this, they're going to sit off," Halmarick explained.

"We need to recognise that, and know how we can break them down and get as many goals as we can."

"We want to build on that win, but it's definitely a good step in the right direction," Trimis said.

AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026™