Hats off to Panama, but Matildas not hitting panic button
In front of 10,272 fans for their first game in regional WA, Australia were upstaged by a strike from substitute Sherline King in the 59th minute that saw the world No.56-ranked visitors spoil the green-and-gold party in the South West by coming away 1-0 winners.
Already without most of their biggest names, Montemurro fielded a heavily-rotated side which saw 10 changes to the starting line-up from their draw with Slovenia in Perth last week.
The Matildas did create some good chances in the closing stages, including one which fell to Michelle Heyman inside the six-yard box deep into added time the veteran striker could only put over the crossbar, but were ultimately unable to come up with an equaliser. Panama's Sherline King celebrates her decisive goal. Credit: James Worsfold / Getty Images
Despite the result, defender Natasha Prior said the side was 'pretty proud' of their performance.
'It was a pretty frustrating game. It's building blocks for the next game, and then obviously looking forward to that Asian Cup as well,' she said.
'I think you know with these kind of teams, it's always going to be more physical than not. I think we were a bit unlucky with some of the calls, but hopefully we can give it back to them next game.
'We're trying to be a possession-based team, and this is the third game we've had with Pep (Montemurro), so it's a matter of ironing out the creases and hopefully building on each game.'
Goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln, who earned her second cap for the national side as a second-half substitute, said there was no expectation the side's shift to Montemurro's style would be seamless.
'Joe has that vision for us. As long as we stick to the process, hopefully results will start to turn our way,' she said. Natasha Prior plays a pass. Credit: James Worsfold / Getty Images
'Credit to Panama — they were incredibly good today and put up a physical battle.'
As his side chased an elusive equaliser, Montemurro handed international debuts to four players — Adriana Taranto, Jacynta Galabadaarchchi, Grace Kuilamu and Alexia Apostolakis — off the bench in the second half.
Former Perth Glory midfielder Galabadaarchchi, who combined with Taranto to carve out one of the side's best chances, said the feeling of stepping on the field in a Matildas jersey for the first time was 'unbelievable'.
'I'm really, really grateful to be given the opportunity. I didn't think I was going to get called in, to be honest, but once I got that call-up, my family and everyone was so happy for me. I was over the moon,' she said.
'They were a very aggressive side, had a lot of energy, quite technical as well, really impressive team, so it was a crazy game to come into, but I just wanted to try and make an impact.'
Thousands of fans braved some wet weather at the newly-redeveloped Hands Oval to see their heroes in action, which Lincoln said was 'amazing' to see.
'I'm from a regional town myself, so I know how much this will mean,' she said.
'Despite the result, we're definitely really happy that we got to get out into the community.
'We're really appreciative of everyone coming out, even if it hasn't been the best weather.'
'I didn't expect so many people to come out. It was really amazing.' Jacynta Galabadaarachchi was one of four debutants for the Matildas. Credit: Janelle St Pierre / Getty Images
Galabadaarchchi said the strong turnout was a testament to the support the side enjoyed right around the country.
'Every game, there's fans there, the young girls are starstruck whenever they see the Matildas, which is an amazing feeling, because when I was growing up, football in Australia for women was not this big and I think we've come a long way,' she said.
'It's a lovely town, it was so nice to see how many people came out to watch us,' Prior added.
A quick turnaround will see the Matildas back in action against the same opponent at HBF Park on Tuesday.
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Hats off to Panama, but Matildas not hitting panic button
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