The host nation caught the Matildas out with goals to Katharina Schiechtl and Lisa Makas in the 25th and 28th minute respectively, before AFC Women’s Player of the Year Katrina Gorry scored in the 85th minute to set up a tense finish.
Despite the Matildas’ best efforts, they could not manufacture an equaliser in what was the first international between the two nations.
“We started the game off sluggishly and slowly which was disappointing,” Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said.
“Although we had a number of good chances in the second half, overall they were the better side and once they scored their two goals we couldn’t get back.”
Returning Matildas star Tameka Butt played the last 20 minutes in her first game back after an ankle injury.
Stajcic's 10th-ranked Matildas will look to make a better start in its last hit-out before the June 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup against Scotland on Friday morning (AEST).
Watch every minute of the Matildas 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup journey LIVE on SBS ONE, HD and streamed online
