Updated March 04, 2017 10:50:52

Photo: Alanna Kennedy netted a header on the stroke of half-time. (Reuters: Paulo Whitaker, file photo)

The Matildas have rebounded from their opening Algarve Cup soccer loss with a 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in Portugal.

Australia held off a late surge from the Dutch, who clawed back from three goals down to send Saturday's (AEDT) contest down to the wire.

Two days after falling 1-0 to Sweden, the Matildas were in no mood for another capitulation and duly netted all their goals before the break.

Forward Emily Gielnik took control with a brace in the first 30 minutes via two near-identical set pieces.

First, aided by the wind, she slotted in the far corner directly from a curling corner kick.

Then she potted a a wide free kick in the same spot from a similar, if slightly less harsh, angle.

Then, on the stroke of half-time, defender Alanna Kennedy buried a towering header courtesy of a Steph Catley free kick.

But the Dutch would not let the game go and striker Vivianne Miedema fired home on 75 minutes before Sherida Spitse buried a free kick into the top corner with 11 minutes remaining.

Lydia Williams was beaten on those occasions, but the Matildas goalkeeper pulled off a vintage clutch save to stop Lieke Martens equalising in injury time.

The win lifts coach Alen Stajcic's squad to three points, one behind Group C leaders Sweden, who were held to a goalless draw by the Matildas' next opponent China.

In the invitational tournament's unique format, the top-two teams from across the three groups advance directly to the final.

Australia, who were dealt the toughest group, currently sit three points off the pace of Canada (Group A) and Spain (Group B).

AAP/ABC

Topics: soccer, sport, portugal

First posted March 04, 2017 10:41:55