The Matildas have drawn 1-1 with Portugal in an international friendly on Wednesday morning (AEST), just three days after their demoralising 7-0 defeat at the hands of Spain.
It was an improved performance but far from a polished display, with Tony Gustavsson's side arguably on the back foot for the majority of the game.
A late controversial Portuguese equaliser denied Australia an unlikely victory, cancelling out Princess Ibini's 73rd-minute goal - her first in the senior national team.
Arguably, it is still a fortunate result for Australia, who were helped by their Portuguese opponents' wastefulness in front of goal, on top of a remarkable refereeing blunder that saw Courtney Nevin dodge a second yellow card.
Account: Opened@princessibini_ scores her first senior goal!
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) June 28, 2022
🎥: @10FootballAU #PORvAUS #WeAreMatildas pic.twitter.com/2CfQu14RTn
Despite being ranked 18 positions lower than Australia, Portugal dominated most of the match, displaying high intensity in the opening stages.
The home side had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the first half when Jessica Silva was one-on-one with Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, but her shot went wide.
Portugal continued to create chances whilst Australia failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
More chances began to flow for the Matildas in the second half, with Larissa Crummer notably firing a shot over the bar.
With scores locked at 0-0, Courtney Nevin made a foul on Tatiana Pinto just outside the box, but it was Charlotte Grant who was incorrectly shown a yellow card.
Nevin was already on a yellow card and should have received her second, which would have reduced Australia to 10 players.
The Matildas then took full advantage of their luck, with Princess Ibini scoring against the run of play with less than 20 minutes remaining.
An Emily Gielnik cross landed at the feet of the 22-year-old, who scored her maiden goal as a Matilda.
However, just as Australia were nearing an unlikely 1-0 victory, Telma Encarnação scored in the 87th minute to tie the match up.
The replays appeared to show the Portuguese substitute coming back from an offside position to receive a cross and score, but without VAR, the goal stood.
Encarnação then went on the hit the post with a volley in the dying stages of the match, but the Matildas nervously held on to secure a 1-1 result.
Australia's next match will be at the AFF Women's Championship when they take on host nation the Philippines on July 4.
