The Matildas continued their undefeated streak, finishing at the top of Group A with two stunning goals from Chloe Logarzo and Sam Kerr.

Despite the Matildas failing to score the four goals needed to qualify for the Algarve Cup Final, they progress to the bronze medal match against host nation Portugal. 

For their final group match and needing to score goals, coach Alen Stajcic brought Sam Kerr and Lisa De Vanna back to the starting line-up while Laura Alleway returned to the defensive line with Mackenzie Arnold in goal.

The Matildas appeared to return to form in the opening minutes of the game with their familiar high press in attack and strong defensive line, with Elise Kellond-Knight allowing the ball to transition smoothly between defense and midfield.

Kerr and De Vanna once again showed why they are a striking duo to be feared as they worked together along the sideline.

A signature early long-range shot from Katrina Gorry also seemed a sign of things to come but an inability to capitalise on chances in the final third led to a goalless first half.   

China appeared significantly stronger in attack since their meeting with the Matildas in November.

Extended time with their Icelandic head coach, Siggi Eyjolfsson has sharpened China’s game.

Wang Shuan showed how dangerous she is on the left wing, making several bursting runs in the first half.

Her chances in the final ten minutes of the first half highlighted the depth of the Matildas goalkeepers, with Mackenzie Arnold making crucial saves to keep the score level at halftime.

After a foul against De Vanna led to a free kick taken by Kellond-Knight, it appeared that Australia had finally received its much needed goal.

A toe poke by Kerr landed in the back of the net after a fumble by Chinese goalkeeper, Wang Fei but the goal was swiftly disallowed and a free kick granted to China due to an apparent foul by Kerr.

A stunning goal from Chloe Logarzo early in the second half set the Matildas on their search for the three extra goals needed to make the final match.

In a strategic move, Stajcic made the first changes of the match by pulling out midfielders, Gorry and Emily Van Egmond for Michelle Heyman and Alex Chidiac giving the Matildas an attacking edge with Kerr, De Vanna, Crummer, Heyman and Logarzo pushing for goal.

But without the Matildas’ playmakers in midfield, any missed chance in attack was swiftly taken by China on the counter. 

Kerr and De Vanna’s partnership continued throughout the second half with a perfectly weighted cross from De Vanna but Kerr’s header was unable to find the power to beat the Chinese keeper.

Rachel Lowe became the 201st Matilda and looked strong in midfield with Chidiac. 

Kerr’s disallowed first goal was finally vindicated with a long-range strike that soared over China’s Fei in the first minute of stoppage time.  

Talking to The Women’s Game after the match, injured Matilda Tameka Butt highlighted the changes in the China side since they last met.

“We’ve played China a few times now so they know our strengths and our weaknesses," she said.

"They definitely put out a stronger foot which made it more difficult for us".

Butt also acknowledged the missing connection in the final third.

“It was a little bit scrappy on our behalf."

"We had a fair few incomplete passes - that was not like us…We definitely had control of the game but didn’t quite make enough chances.”

Sweden will play the Netherlands in the Algarve Cup final after their 3-0 thrill against Japan.

Australia meets Portugal for a second time this tournament with the match set to take place on Thursday morning (AEDT).