The Matildas scored a dramatic 3-2 win overnight against World Cup hosts China in the team's penultimate match prior to next month's 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Prolific striker Sarah Walsh scored seven minutes from full-time to secure a famous win for the Matildas; just the fourth victory for Australia in 28 matches against one of the traditional superpowers of women's football.
The result all the more noteworthy with Australia starting the match minus several experienced players including goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, midfielder Joanne Peters and captain Cheryl Salisbury.
The Matildas stunned the home side racing to a 2-0 lead after just 28 minutes in what was the first match ever to be played at the new Tianjin Olympic Center Stadium. Firstly, long serving defender Kate McShea scored just her second goal for Australia when she rifled in a low shot from 10 metres after a corner caused havoc in the penalty area. Lisa De Vanna then scored the goal of the match, with the Perth-based striker picking up the ball in her own half and weaving past several defenders in the process before lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.
Australia carved several half-chances in the opening half with Danielle Small and Kate Gill coming close to getting on the scoresheet. China also had their opportunities with young goalkeeper Lydia Williams forced into a couple of commendable stops.
The home side rallied with Han Duan scoring a double within the space of ten minutes soon after the interval to level the scores before Walsh's late strike.
Australia could have extended their lead prior to Duan's second with Heather Garriock's expert free-kick tipped away for a corner.
The winner coming when a deep corner from the left was headed back across the goal by Gill for Walsh to sweep the ball home from close range.
China though could ultimately have snatched a share of the spoils in an action-packed match with replacement goalkeeper Emma Wirkus forced to palm a fiercely hit shot onto the crossbar before the ball was cleared to safety.
History was also made for two Australian players who wore the captain's armband for the first time for the Matildas. Veteran defender Dianne Alagich was named captain for the match only to succumb to injury at half time with Small proudly leading out the team for the second half until being replaced by regular skipper Cheryl Salisbury with 20 minutes remaining.
Australia will now face China for a second time on Sunday again in Tianjin, with the team to complete their preparations with a five-day camp in Sydney immediately prior to the team's departure to the World Cup on September 5.