The Qantas Matildas have secured a dramatic 2-1 win with the last kick of the game against China, host-nation for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, in their match played in Tianjin overnight.
A 93rd minute winner from midfielder Jo Peters ensured the Qantas Matildas earnt just their second win over China in 20 internationals and the first since 1997. The result particularly impressive with the team competing out of season and having played just two days earlier - a 2-1 defeat against Tianjin.
"It was a very pleasing performance and result especially given the context of the match and the conditions," said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"It is not just the result but the way we played that impressed, especially backing up in very humid conditions from the game two days earlier. I felt that we were overall the better side, controlling large parts of the match and looked very confident and comfortable throughout."
The Australians held a one goal half time lead after striker Kate Gill opened the scoring in the 27th minute from close range, with Collette McCallum having played a superb cross in behind the defence to set up the goal.
Lisa de Vanna, Leah Blayney and Peters all had attempts on goal in a first half that Australia dominated for lengthy periods. The home team finished the half pressing the Australian goal however the defence held firm.
Australia again started strongly and could have scored early in the second half through a Blayney long-range effort, and then a header from Gill from the ensuing corner, before the Chinese equalised on the hour mark. Ji's near-post header from a corner proving unstoppable for goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.
The Chinese struck the bar with a header soon after following another corner but this proved to be the home team's only route to goal with Barbieri not forced into a save from open play.
The match seemed destined for a draw until Peters cracked home a 20 metre free-kick inside the far post for the winner.
The Qantas Matildas will have a second match against China on Tuesday at the same venue before travelling to Japan and Korea for further international matches.
China will host the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2008 Olympic Games.