Australia’s women’s football team are ranked the fifth best side in world football. So how did they lose 7-0 to a collection of 15-year-old boys?

It is the question gripping the Matildas, who will be targeting a medal at the Rio Olympics in August, after they were embarrassed by the Newcastle Jets under-16s side on Wednesday.

Admittedly this was not the most fiercely competitive of friendly matches, with the women’s team employing a rotating team, but the Matildas, who often have no choice but to play boys teams such is the paucity of opponents in Australia, did have star names such as Katrina Gorry in their lineup.

Assistant coach of the women’s side Gary van Egmond admitted his side, who were without their overseas-based players, had been taken by surprise.

“To be honest we didn't expect that,” he told The Huffington Post.

“But the Jets boys were very good. All credit to them. They moved the ball around very well and were excellent on the night.

“At this stage in their preparation, obviously the Matildas are not in a position to play regular games so I'd suggest all and sundry were a little bit rusty.

“We could have had an easier game, but we definitely want to keep testing the girls.”

Van Egmond will presumably hope that their next opponents New Zealand don’t have any plans to sneak any children into their side.