Late strike upsets Matildas' dominant run in fierce final friendly battle against Slovenia
Updated . First published at
The Matildas' sensational run in the international friendly window has ended in disappointment as a late deflection saw Slovenia force a 1-1 draw in Perth.
A dominant performance in the opening 70 minutes looked to have set the Matildas up to hold Slovenia goalless, but a simple error in defence saw the game turned on its head.
Returning goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold appeared to have saved the ball from crossing the line in the first minute of stoppage time.
READ MORE: JT ribbed by commentators over 'very political' Origin reply
READ MORE: Jake Paul calls out big names after rival's bizarre effort
READ MORE: Storm's win soured by 'disaster' injury blow to young star
But Arnold's dive towards the left post was met by a rebound of the ball towards the middle of the box, landing directly in the path of Slovenia's Mirjam Kastelec.
Kastelec brushed off the defensive pressure of Wini Heatley and Clare Hunt to get her boot to the ball and record the team's first-ever goal against Australia.
"What a crazy thing football is," former Australian footballer Andy Harper said in commentary on Paramount+.
"It has been such a good performance from the Matildas. Thursday night, the scoreline looked like they were world leaders. Tonight, (the scoreline) looks like they were struggling, but they've been excellent."
Mirjam Kastelec of Slovenia celebrates with teammates after scoring the teams first goal. Getty
The late goal marred what was an impressive display from the Matildas, who were trialling new combinations ahead of the Asian Cup.
Among those fighting to establish a clear role on the side was Michelle Heyman, as she sent a clear message to new coach Joe Montemurro with her powerful strike.
The newly appointed coach has yet to make a decision on who will form the starting lineup at the tournament, with the next generation of stars joining the race for selection.
But while newcomers continue to fight for a spot, Heyman continues to prove that she is not ready to slow down on the field just yet.
Michelle Heyman of the Matildas celebrates her goal during the International Friendly match between Australia Matildas and Slovenia. Getty
A 3-0 victory in game one did not sit lightly with the visiting team, as Heyman was shut down in a dangerous goal-scoring position on several occasions in the first half.
But the 36-year-old put her experience on full display in the 49th minute as she slotted Australia's solitary goal against Slovenia courtesy of a cross from Ellie Carpenter.
Carpenter raced in on the overlap to receive a slick pass from Remi Siemsen out wide before sending the ball back towards Heyman in front of the goal.
"Like a fine wine, Michelle Heyman just keeps getting better," former Matilda Grace Gill said in commentary on Paramount+.
"She is telling the new boss that she well and truly still has it. That is a well-worked finish by the Matildas."
Harper described the pass from Siemsen as "a real work of craft".
Another opportunity moments later was unable to find the boot of any Matilda from close range, and Montemurro made the call to substitute Heyman for Kaitlyn Torpey.
