The Matildas are seeking a third-straight win as they take on the world No. 2, Sweden in Melbourne.
Superstar captain Sam Kerr poked the ball home at the near post from a Hayley Raso cut-back eight minutes before half-time, handing the hosts the lead after a high-intensity opening stanza.
Both sides regularly threatened from the offing, but it was Sweden who had the better of the chances – taking seven shots to three in the first half.
The Matildas withstood the pressure of the visitors high-pressing defence – with one Sweden shot striking the post but later ruled out for offside – and broke the deadlock when winger Raso raced to the byline and slid the ball for a lunging Kerr to prod home.
It was the Chelsea striker’s first goal in five matches for the Matildas, but a record-extending 60th strike in the green and gold.
Meanwhile central defender Clare Polkinghorne is captaining the side in her 150th Australian appearance, just the third person to reach that milestone – and against the side nation swhere she plays her club football.
Follow all the action from the Matildas’ clash against Sweden in our LIVE BLOG below!
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Tony Gustavsson’s side go into the clash on the back of impressive wins over South Africa and Denmark but have struggled against elite opponents recently.
With the Women’s World Cup on Aussie and New Zealand shores just around the corner, the clash against Sweden represents a golden opportunity for several players to make their mark.
Gustavsson, who hails from Sweden, has not been able to guide the Matildas to victory against his home nation at three attempts.
A scoreless draw in June last year preceded two defeats at the Tokyo Olympics, but it could be a case of fourth time’s the charm.
The match also marks the first time since March 2019 that the Matildas are playing a match in Melbourne.
Follow all the action from the Matildas’ clash against Sweden in our LIVE BLOG below!
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