An experimental Matildas line-up returned to winning ways in unconvincing fashion with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Taiwan.
The Matildas looked set to gallop to victory after Natasha Prior and Sharn Fryer scored their first international goals, on their first starts, in the 10th and 12th minutes at AAMI Park.
But Taiwan scored their first goal against Australia since 2007. away, through Chen Jin-wen in the 34th minute to ignite the contest.
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Australia dominated the shots 25-9 but never looked comfortable until reserve Briley Henry scored his first international goal – five minutes after coming on – in the 78th minute in front of 26,795 fans to seal victory.
The result was made worse by hapless midfielder Chloe Logarzo – who played her first Matildas game since tearing her ACL against Ireland in October 2022. – was forced off in the first half hour due to a head collision.
But interim coach Tom Sermani will be happy with his inexperienced players scoring, while Fryer has been particularly lively on the wing.
After two losses to Brazil, nine players have returned to their clubs in Europe, including Steph Catley, Caitlin Ford and Ellie Carpenter.
Sermani made seven changes to the starting line-up, with young midfielder Daniela Galic, Prior and Fryer making their first starts.
Australia took the lead from a corner.
Emily van Egmond sent the ball to Logarzo, whose high cross across the box was met by Galic and Prior had a hand to score.
Two minutes later, Emily Gielnick forced a fingertip save from Taiwan goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting, who turned the ball onto the post, but Fryer was on hand to tap home.
Logarzo and Chan Pi-han both needed treatment after a nasty clash of heads in the 27th minute and Matilda was substituted shortly afterwards.
The 29-year-old pleaded with Australia’s medical staff to allow her to continue playing and was in tears when she was replaced by Alex Chidiak.
If Logarso is diagnosed with a concussion, she will also be ruled out of Sunday’s game at GMHBA Stadium.
Minutes later, Chan threw a long ball to Chen, who turned Charlie Grant inside out, then finished with aplomb, much to Taiwan’s delight.
At half-time, Australia had 13 shots, with six on target, to Taiwan’s five (two), but little advantage for that.
Yu was substituted with a knee injury in the 73rd minute.
Australia sealed victory when Yallop crossed for Henry, who scored his first international goal after coming on just five minutes earlier.
Leah Davidson then came on for her international debut in the 80th minute as Australia closed out the game.
