Matildas into bronze medal match

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.

that call from ref #wegotrobbed #gkhadnocontrolofthatball sam Kerr should be on the score sheet there was nothing wrong with that kick goalkeeper has to have whole ball in her hands not one hand half on it @TheMatildas #AUSvCHN #algarve #comeonaussies @FOXFOOTBALL

— Casey Dumont (@CaseyDumont) March 5, 2018

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.

GOAL RECAP: @CLogarzo has opened the scoring after @AlannaKennedy puts the ball in the box #AUSvCHN #AlgarveCup2018 pic.twitter.com/wcD0olWB6L

— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) March 5, 2018

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.  

Before we forget catch the goal from @samkerr1 in stoppage time#AUSvCHN #AlgarveCup2018 pic.twitter.com/2SmOXviJ2b

— The Women's Game (@TheWomensGame) March 5, 2018

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).