Matildas player ratings: Sam Kerr 'struggled' after lone goal as 'brightest spark' gives Aussies hope

Over 90 minutes of action at Perth Stadium the Matildas settled into the Asian Cup in style, with the return of superstar Sam Kerr helping the team to claim victory.

While it appeared as though the hosts were set to pile on goals against their Filipino rivals, a 1-0 win was the final result on Sunday.

Coach Joe Montemurro was glad his playing group got through the match with no major issues.

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"There was never any danger, we were in control," he told Paramount+.

"We just need to obviously clean up a few things.

"For me, it's important that we grow into the tournament instead of starting off with a bang, then the expectations are high.

"For me, tonight, no problems."

Wide World of Sports has rated every Australian player from their first match at the Asian Cup.

12. Chloe Lincoln - 7

Some confident early touches after receiving the late call up.

Largely untested but will be pleased to have kept a clean sheet in her first Asian Cup

appearance.

21. Ellie Carpenter - 7

Looked to push forward at every opportunity as she created attacking overloads.

Her energy and ability to support the Matildas in attack allowed her to be a constant option out wide.

3. Winonah Heatley - 6

Solid in her first Asian Cup outing as she was largely untroubled in the heart of the Matildas defence.

Was neat and composed in possession and will be looking to continue this form as the Matilda's progress through the tournament.

4. Clare Hunt - 6

A typical composed performance from Hunt as she controlled the rare forays forward from the Philippines while remaining calm and composed in possession.

7. Steph Catley - 7

Similarly to Carpenter on the right was a constant outlet on the left as she looked to get forward at every opportunity.

Saw her well struck free kick saved in the first half while she blazed a shot over in the second half after making a nice run inside.

6. Clare Wheeler - 7

Was impressive in the midfield as she looked to push forward and create while covering defensively when called upon.

Involved in the first goal as her cross found the head of Foord who nodded back for Kerr to finish.

9. Caitlin Foord - 7

Showed a couple of early bursts of pace and trickery as well as assisting for the only goal of the game.

Drifted out of the game though during the second half as the Matildas struggled to create clear cut chances.

10. Emily Van Egmond - 5

Solid performance without any notable contributions.

Missed a gilt-edged header in the first half after a delightful cross from Raso found her free in the box.

16. Hayley Raso - 5

Got into some dangerous positions but lacked the final ball at times.

Was unlucky not to grab a goal for herself after drifting offside in the first half.

19. Katrina Gorry - 6

Constant energy in the middle of the park as she looked to keep the ball moving and ignite the Matildas attack.

20. Sam Kerr - 6

Scored the opening goal of the tournament after lovely touch back from Foord.

Showed some nice touches but struggled to involve herself in a contest which drifted largely by her in the second half.

Substitutes

11. Mary Fowler - 7

Was the brightest spark for the Matildas as she showed classy touches and ability to unlock defence in her cameo off the bench.

Montemurro and the Matildas will be hopeful this is a sign of things to come from Fowler.

14. Alanna Kennedy - 5

Came on in the centre of the Matildas midfield as she looked to keep the ball moving and snuff out any Philippines attacks.

Squad members who did not take to the field: Mackenzie Arnold, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Kaitlyn Torpey, Alex Chidiac, Kahli Johnson, Morgan Aquino, Michelle Heyman, Charlie Rule, Holly McNamara, Remy Siemsen.