Matildas v Taiwan 2024 LIVE updates: Taiwan ends 17-year drought against Matildas; Head clash forces Logarzo off
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Key posts
Half-time stats
HT: Matildas 2, Taiwan 1
Logarzo’s absence has hurt in midfield as she was linking up the team between defence and attack.
But Taiwan have put up a spirited defence as well and given the home side nothing easy as the half went on.
Chloe Logarzo of Australia and Chan Pi-Han of Chinese Taipei collide in the first half.Credit: Getty Images
The aerial threat still looks the most potent for the Matildas but they have to be careful not to be too predictable in chipping up balls for Gielnik or Heyman.
AUS 2, TAI 1 at half time.
GOAL: Taiwan scores
Taiwan has stunned the Matildas scoring a counterattacking goal.
It’s their first goal against Australia since 2007.
Chen Ji-Wen did a lovely job of running around Arnold and striking it home.
AUS 2, TAI 1 after 35 minutes.
Victory star Alex Chidiac comes on
Alex Chidiac is a big start in the A-League Women’s comp and she received a huge roar when she ran on for Logarzo.
It seems like the plan was for Chidiac to play less tonight and more in Saturday night’s game in Geelong but that plan has gone out the window.
Alex Chidiac playing for the A-Leagues Women’s All Stars in May.Credit: Getty Images
Nasty head clash forces Logarzo off
Chloe Logarzo and Taiwan’s Chan Pi-Han have had a nasty clash of heads while competing for a header with a leaping Logarzo crashing her head into the face of Chan.
Thankfully, both are on their feet but it looks like Logarzo is going to be subbed off.
It’s heartbreaking for a player who has battled very serious injuries and fought back to national team level.
AUS 2, TAI 0 after 29 minutes.
Chloe Logarzo of Australia and Chan Pi-Han of Chinese Taipei clash during the International Friendly match. Credit: Getty Images
Logarzo on the ground after the collision. Credit: Getty Images
Matildas rushing it
This Matildas side is a mix of generations and it is starting to show despite the 2-0 lead as they’ve made a few errors during the build in attack that could have lead to more goals.
Still, this is why the team arranged these two matches against Taiwan, to give those less experienced Tillies some confidence and understanding about the international game.
Mackenzie Arnold also got a hero’s ovation when she fielded a regulation save – fans haven’t forgotten her.
AUS 2, TAI 0 after 22 minutes.
A fan shows off her face paint for the Matildas.Credit: Getty Images
GOAL: Freier on the board
Sharn Freier has made it two goals in a matter of minutes after Gielnik’s shot deflected off the cross bar and right to her feet.
She smashed it high into the net.
AUS 2, TAI 0 after 12 minutes.
Sharn Freier (#24) celebrates her goal. Credit: Getty Images
GOAL: Tash Prior scores
Tash Prior is starting for the first time for the Matildas and she has bobbed up at the back post to smash home a cross from Logarzo.
AUS 1, TAI 0 after 10 mins.
Goal! The Matildas celebrate a goal over Taiwan. Credit: Getty Images
Matildas already on the attack
As expected, the Matildas are dominating possession but their scoring chances have been curtailed so far.
Heyman just missed a cross from Tameka Yallop while Gielnik was caught off-side soon after.
The fans will get a chance to see plenty of attacking from the Matildas.
AUS 0, TAI 0 after four minutes.
Clare Hunt on the attack at AAMI Park. Credit: Getty Images
It’s game on in Melbourne
The teams are on the field and the anthems have been sung.
It’s game time at AAMI Park. It will be interesting to see if the Matildas are playing a 5-3-2 formation as broadcasters Ten have suggested or whether it will be something closer to a 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2.
Either way, Gielnik and Heyman will start up front.
Australia are in their home gold jerseys with green shorts and white socks while Taiwan are in white with blue shorts and white socks.
The Matildas warm up on AAMI Park.Credit: Getty Images
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