An experimental Matildas line-up has returned to winning ways in unconvincing fashion with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Taiwan.
The Matildas looked set to canter to victory after Natasha Prior and Sharn Freier netted 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, via Chen Jin-wen in the 34th minute, to spark the contest to life.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
Australia dominated shots 25-9 but never looked comfortable until substitute Bryleeh Henry scored her first international goal – five minutes after coming on – in the 78th minute in front of 26,795 fans that secured victory.
The result was soured by luckless midfielder Chloe Logarzo – playing her first Matildas game since tearing her ACL against Ireland in October 2022 – being forced off inside the first half hour due to a head clash.
But interim coach Tom Sermanni will take heart from his inexperienced players scoring, while Freier was particularly lively at wing-back.
After two losses to Brazil, nine players returned to their clubs in Europe including Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter.
Sermanni made seven starting line-up changes and young midfielder Daniela Galic, Prior and Freier made their first starts.
Australia took the lead from a short corner.
Emily van Egmond worked the ball to Logarzo, whose lofted cross across the box was flicked on by Galic, with Prior on hand to score.
Two minutes later, Emily Gielnik forced a fingertip save from Taiwan goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting who turned the ball onto the bar, but Freier was on the spot to head home.
Logarzo and Chan Pi-han both required treatment after a nasty clash of heads in the 27th minute and the Matilda was substituted shortly after.
The 29-year-old pleaded with Australia’s medical staff to allow her to play on and was in tears when she was replaced by Alex Chidiac.
If Logarzo is diagnosed with concussion she will also be ruled out of Sunday’s game at GMHBA Stadium.
Minutes later, Chan launched a long ball for Chen, who turned Charli Grant inside-out then finished with aplomb, to Taiwan’s delight.
At half-time, Australia had 13 shots, with six on target, to Taiwan’s five (two), but little advantage to show for it.
Yu was substituted with a knee injury in the 73rd minute.
Australia sealed victory when Yallop crossed for Henry, who scored her first international goal after entering the fray just five minutes ago.
Leah Davidson then came on for her international debut in the 80th minute as Australia closed out the game.