“I think we’ve probably made life a little bit more difficult for ourselves when we gave up the goal, because up until then, we really didn’t have any threat, and that sort of interrupted our rhythm for a little bit.

“But I think the introduction of the subs gave a new energy again, and I think we saw the game out very well.”

All three goal scorers – Natasha Prior, Sharn Freier, and Bryleeh Henry – were first-time scorers for the national team.

Sermanni explained that it’s very important to have different sources of goals throughout the squad.

“The more people you can get on the scoresheet, the better for any team,” he said.

He reserved special praise for Prior, who was a composed figure at centre-back.

“She’s walked in the team a bit like Clare Hunt a year and a half ago,” he said.

“She plays with composure, authority. She’s got good defensive strength, she’s mobile, and she’s very good on the ball.

“I spoke to the players before the game, I want to see players come into this team and look like they belong. I think she’s done that.”

Chloe Logarzo was forced to leave the field of play after a head clash in the first half. Sermanni said that there has been no confirmation yet of the severity of the injury, but he is hopeful that she will be available for the game against the same opponent on Saturday.

Like many Asian opponents, Chinese Taipei presented a challenge by defending in a low block and being highly disciplined in defence.

Sermanni said that the team’s response to breaking down their defence was “mixed.”

“Asian teams are very, very good and very disciplined when they defend in that block,” he explained.

“I was delighted by getting the two early goals, because that took the pressure off. I think had we not conceded that goal, we would have won a lot more comfortably.

“Yes, as a coach, you would like to create more when they do that, but then you’ve also got to be pragmatic and practical.

“Overall, it was challenging to create chances. But that’s not unexpected.”

Leading into this game, the team had played in front of 16 consecutive home sell-outs.

Sermanni praised the crowds and the fans as “incredible.”

“It’s really hard to describe because you just wouldn’t think it would happen,” he said.

“[It’s] not just the fans, but the way they support the team, the noise in the stadium, [and] the fact that everybody, or almost everybody, seems to be in a Matildas shirt.

“The way this team is at now in relation to its public profile is just amazing.”

The CommBank Matildas take on Chinese Taipei for Match Two from GMHBA Stadium, Geelong in the final of a two-match series, rounding out their 2024 campaign.

• Video: CommBank Matildas Coach Tom Sermanni on the first match against Chinese Taipei
• Video: CommBank Matildas Defender Tash Prior on the first match against Chinese Taipei
• Check fixtures for details.
• How To Watch The CommBank Matildas On 10, 10 Play and Paramount +