Matildas vs Switzerland live updates: Tom Sermanni faces his first test since taking over as interim coach

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Well, it was Caitlin Foord with the only goal that opening half. The Aussie scorer was brought down in the penalty box by the Swiss keeper after making a great run.  

Switzerland had their chances but couldn’t make the most of them. And to Australia’s credit, their defence has been strong.

Now, time for everyone to go to the bathroom and make a cup of tea during the break.

As cool as a cucumber, Caitlin Foord looked like she didn’t even break a single bead of sweat as she shot the ball straight into the net.

With two minutes before half-time, that’s an important goal. Slots it at the 43rd minute.

Australia lead 0-1

Here’s a chance. Caitlin Foord earned a free after a yellow card for Switzerland’s goalkeeper.

She’s taking a shot on goal.

That’s the best opportunity we’ve seen so far for either side to score.

Smilla Vallotto streamed towards goal but Mackenzie Arnold once again held her nerve and made the save.

The Switzerland coach had her head in hands after that missed chance. It’s still 0-0.

That could have been very costly.

Caitlin Foord thought she’d won the ball cleanly from Ana Crnogorcevic but the ref saw otherwise. The Swiss goalscorer won a free in their attacking half but the Matildas’ defence cleared it.

It was Mackenzie Arnold who finished with the ball in hand. The Australian defence has been holding up well.

Matildas need to be careful here.

Switzerland’s all time leading goalscorer Ana Crnogorcevic (74 goals in 159 caps) has been looking threatening.

She was the last to have a shot on goal – but it went straight into Mackenzie Arnold – and just had a free run on goal (but was offside). Australia perhaps let off the hook there.

Switzerland and Australia are looking pretty well matched in this opening half.

Caitlin Foord of Australia controls the ball under pressure from Geraldine Reuteler of Switzerland.(Getty Images)

Neither side has been able to break through or get a good grip of this game yet. Perhaps still feeling each other out, but we are 27 minutes in.

There have been some good moments of defence from the Matildas in this game, which has seen a lot of transitional play.

Let’s see who can break the deadlock first…

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Offt, that was close.

Switzerland’s Viola Calligaris tried to steer the ball past Mackenzie Arnold, but the Aussie keeper held strong.

It was a wonderful ball to Calligaris in a prime position to score. But Arnold jumped on it as it came into the box.

It’s Caitlin Foord with the first shot on goal (not quite on target).

She made a great run, but with the pressure of the defenders, shot the ball high into the air.

Good attack early nonetheless.

Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop is back up forward with Mary Fowler and Cailtin Foord.

It’s looking like Yallop and Foord are looking to team up today for a goal (or, hopefully, a few), while Fowler is floating back to help in the mid when needed.

Alright. National anthems are sung and jackets are stripped off. We’re ready to get this party underway.

There’s plenty of Matildas shirts in the crowd. Let’s hope that helps them get over the line.

What are we expecting (hoping) to see today, team?

The road to the 2027 Asian Cup starts here for the Matildas (and the one to the next Euros for Switzerland). It may be a friendly – but it matters.

Who’d have thought.

But I agree, Adam. It’s nice to see Kaitlyn Torpey make her way into the starting mix, while having plenty of depth on the bench.

It’s the Matildas’ first ever game against Switzerland but also the start of Tom’s Sermanni’s stint as interim coach.

It’s the third time the Scotman’s been in charge of the Matildas, having previously coached the team from 1994-1997 and 2005-2012. So, he’s got experience on his side.

But this Matildas side really have no time to waste. They are booked and busy, with the side to next play Brazil, then two fixtures against Taiwan starting in late November.

However, his first (new) big test: today’s match against the Swiss.

Ranked 25 in the world, this side is going to be no easy task for the Aussies. Here’s the Swiss side:

Interestingly, no Steph Catley in the starting lineup. She’ll begin the match as a sub. Ellie Carpenter will have the captain’s armband on instead. That’s a big moment for her.