Japan lead the USA on goal-difference in the SheBelieves Cup table after both recorded second victories, setting up a decider overnight Wednesday.
Lynn Biyendolo gave the USA the best start against Australia, netting after 41 seconds from a Jaedyn Shaw cross.
Michelle Cooper made it 2-0 from Ally Sentnor’s cut-back going into the last quarter of the game, for her first goal in just her second cap.
Michelle Heyman gave the Matildas hope of a fightback with an 80th-minute reply, heading home a Hayley Raso cross.
Japan’s Momoko Tanikawa struck from 25 yards against Colombia with only 18 second splayed, then delivered a corner for Mina Tanaka to head home after just 8 minutes.
Linda Caicedo did reply on the break just before half time but Maika Hamano restored the two-goal cushion by the hour mark.
Tanaka got her second from the spot, after being taken down by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo.
Canada beat ten-player Mexico 2-0 at the Pinatar Cup, Annia Menija sent-off before the break, Vanessa Gilles and Adriana Leon later getting the goals.
In the tournament’s other match, China beat Taiwan by the same score. Teng Pei-lin’s own-goal added to by Shao Ziqin, Li Mengwen and Zhang Xin.
Costa Rica drew 1-1 with New Zealand, Priscila Chinchilla’s opener cancelled out by Indiah-Paige Riley in first-half added time.
Jamaica beat Peru 2-0, the goals coming early in either half through Jody Brown and Kayla McKenna.
South Korea were 4-0 winners over Thailand, Lee Geum-min, Choe Yu-ri and Ji So-yun on target before the break, Mun Eun-ju netting after the interval.
Other international results
Chile 0-3 Argentina
Ecuador 2-3 El Salvador
South Africa 1-0 Lesotho
Saudi Arabia 4-0 Tajikistan
Football Union of Russia 2-0 India
Puerto Rica 1-1 Iran
Nepal 2-2 Myanmar
