Tue Jul 08 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Matildas Trail Panama at Half-Time Despite Attacking Lineup
**Perth, Australia** – The Matildas find themselves trailing Panama 1-0 at half-time in their second friendly match at HBF Park, Perth, despite a heavily attacking lineup announced by coach Joe Montemurro. Panama’s Ericka Arauz scored a stunning goal from outside the box in the 37th minute, leaving debutante Matildas goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln with no chance.
The Matildas have shown significant improvement compared to their previous encounter where they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat. The home side have been more physical and created numerous chances, particularly down the right flank through Hayley Raso, but have struggled to convert them into goals.
Raso was involved in a near goal in the 25th minute, hitting the post before a scramble in the box was eventually cleared. The Matildas also had appeals for a penalty waved away late in the first half after Remy Siemsen appeared to be shoved in the box.
Montemurro made eight changes to the starting lineup from the first friendly, handing Lincoln her debut and deploying a forward-heavy formation with Michelle Heyman leading the line. The Matildas will need to find their cutting edge in the second half to avoid another defeat to the Central Americans.
Panama made two changes to their winning side, with Sherline King, the match-winner from the first game, replacing the injured Desire Salazar.
First Piper 