Matildas forced to settle for 1-1 draw after late equaliser from Portugal

Thrashed by Spain just a few days earlier, the Matildas produced a better performance to draw with Portugal.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson says the “reality check” of a daunting two-match assignment against Spain and Portugal will benefit a host of Australia’s younger players in the long term.

Gustavsson was forced to defend his methods following Australia’s 1-1 draw with Portugal in Estoril on Wednesday morning (AEST).

Despite a late Portugal goal having denied an experimental Matildas outfit what would have been a remarkable victory just three days after they were thrashed 7-0 by Spain, Gustavsson remains under fire for his handling of the national team’s program with the FIFA Women’s World Cup only a year away.

However, he’s in no danger of losing his job, with Football Australia set to honour the Sweden-born coach’s contract, which runs until 2024.

“I’m always going to make decisions that are best for this team and this program moving forward, not just for the World Cup in 2023 but for the legacy and beyond,” Gustavsson said.

“I’m about the programming, I’m about the legacy and I’m about believing in the players.”

The Matildas, without a host of rested stars, were on a hiding to nothing in their past two matches, particularly against powerhouse Spain.

“It’s unfair to expect these players to come out and win against Spain,” Gustavsson said before defending the decision to expose such an inexperienced team on the world stage.

“A loss or a reality check can benefit confidence in the long run if you handle it right.”

To their credit, the Australians produced a better performance against Portugal, and led 1-0 after Princess Ibini scored for the first time in a Matildas jersey.

However, the Australians had to settle for a 1-1 draw after Telma Encarnaçao equalised in the 87th minute.

But Encarnaçao’s goal – which denied goalkeeper Lydia Williams a clean sheet in her 100th Matildas appearance – wasn’t without controversy, with the Portuguese substitute running back from an off-side position to accept a cross and score. But without VAR, the goal stood.

Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond (right) is challenged by Portugal’s Andreia Norton. Picture: Octavio Passos/Getty Images

Gustavsson had “mixed emotions” about his side’s effort.

“If you’re winning 1-0 in the 87th minute you should get off the park with a win,” Gustavsson said.

“It’s about team management, but when you have a look at the inexperienced team on the field, the decision making in those crucial moments is tough learning for the team, but I think 1-1 was a fair result.”

After not playing against Spain, veteran keeper Williams captained the team to celebrate her 100-game milestone.

The inclusion of Williams ahead of fellow keepers Teagan Micah and Mackenzie Arnold, who were both used in the weekend drubbing, was one of two changes Gustavsson made to his starting line-up.

The other change in a reshuffled starting team was Remy Siemsen coming in for Cortnee Vine.

Originally published as Matildas forced to settle for 1-1 draw after late equaliser from Portugal