Stajcic satisfied with result in 'trying conditions' against Portugal
Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic says valuable lessons were learnt after their 0-0 draw with Portugal on Saturday morning (Australian time) in the Algarve Cup.
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However, injuries to key players including Hayley Raso are a big concern ahead of the Asian Cup in Jordan next month.
“Portugal gave us a really tough challenge and created as many chances as we did to win the game.
"We definitely weren’t at our fluent best, which kept them in the match, howeve, both teams had to contend with trying conditions - a muddy pitch, wind, and rain.
"Leading into the Asian Cup there was a lot to take away from the match. We’re learning important lessons here in Portugal and that is the most important thing at this stage," he said after the match.
The resilience of the group shone through against the host nation in wintry conditions, but a mounting injury toll was one worry after the match.
“Playing just two days after our first match I thought our players showed amazing resilience and I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.
"Unfortunately we find ourselves with a few injuries at the moment. Emily Condon was injured just five minutes into her debut which was unfortunate for her.
"It looks like Hayley Raso may have to travel home in the coming days, and we may have picked up a couple more injuries in the game, too.
"This is the situation that we find ourselves in at the moment and we just need to work through it.”
Australia next face China PR on Tuesday morning (Australian time) with a win vital for the team's chances of making the gold medal match.
“We’ll need to win against China and hope that a couple of results go our way to make the gold medal match.
"We can still make the play-off for first place, and hopefully we can achieve that," said Stajcic.