The Matildas' preparations for the Olympic Games have finally had some good news, with the team securing a hard-fought 2-0 win over Mexico in Texas despite a slew of injuries.
[opta widget]Eight players withdrew from the team's camp over the past two weeks, adding to the loss of captain Sam Kerr to a torn ACL in January, raising questions over the squad's depth and ability to cover for key players.
But, in their first game since officially booking their ticket to the Paris Games in February, the Matildas were able to answer a number of those questions, with a number of veterans standing up when it mattered to defeat the world number 31.
Hayley Raso got the team off to the best start after turning neatly on the edge of the box and firing a shot into bottom corner in the ninth minute, but Mexico quickly rallied in defence, making it tough for Raso to find the same spaces for the rest of the half.
Australia could not find the back of the net again until early in the second half when Caitlin Foord, who had also been fairly quiet in the opening 45 minutes, fired a curling shot around a diving Esthefanny Barreras after slaloming around three players near the top of the box.
Injuries to regular starters Katrina Gorry and Clare Hunt meant Tony Gustavsson had to make a couple key shuffles, including moving left-back Steph Catley into the middle to partner Alanna Kennedy, while youngster Kaitlyn Torpey proved her versatility by impressing at left-back in her second start since debuting in February.
Emily Van Egmond also came into the starting XI alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross, while Michelle Heyman was rewarded for her performances against Uzbekistan with another start up front, though was not as impressive against a higher-pressing, more physical Mexico side.
Mexico's high-energy press posed an important test for the Matildas, who have traditionally struggled against such styles, but this friendly proved they are capable of playing the ball out from the back and keeping possession against the types of teams they could face in Paris later this year.
"It was a great challenge," Steph Catley said afterwards.
"We were brave in playing out against an aggressive press. We took a little while to get going, but in the second half, we came out [stronger] and created more chances.
"We talked about, at half-time, ironing out those little bumps out - which happens when you have a new back-line. But in general, I think we played well.
"We showed we can play in different styles. We built up in different formations, we can play in behind, we can play in front. We figured out different types of presses. I think the team has matured a lot.
"In the past, we might get flustered or go long just to get an answer, but now we're more comfortable on the ball."
Perhaps most importantly, the Australians got through the game without incurring any more injuries, in addition to securing their third consecutive clean sheet.
They next gather at the end of May in Australia for a two-game friendly series against China.
Check out how the action unfolded in our live blog below.
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