Lydia Williams became the first female Australian goalkeeper to earn 100 international caps as the Matildas bounced back from their Spanish humbling with a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
A-Leagues legend Williams came into the starting XI and wore the captain’s armband on Wednesday (AEST) after the Matildas were routed 7-0 by Spain in Huelva over the weekend.
The Matildas star joined the exclusive century club – the first female keeper to achieve the feat and just the second overall in Australian international football, along with Socceroos legend Mark Schwarzer.
Tony Gustavsson’s Australia were outplayed in the opening half at Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril, but they broke the deadlock in the second 45 minutes.
After managing just one shot compared to Portugal’s nine in the first period, Sydney FC star Princess Ibini poked home Emily Gielnik’s cross for her first Matildas goal in the 73rd minute.
Having been spared by Portugal’s wastefulness, Australia were unable to keep out the hosts, who equalised with three minutes of regulation remaining.
Telma Encarnacao put the ball in the back of the net, despite coming from an offside position, with no VAR in use.
