Carson, CA (My Sportsbook) - After a slow start, Australia and Russia played an exciting final minutes of the first half to a 1-1 tie.

After holding an edge in possession for much of the half, midfielder Kelly Golebiowski scored on a rebound for Australia in the 37th minute. Danielle Small's attempt on net hit the post and Golebiowski was there for the easy finish.

Just two minutes later however, Russia benefited from Dianne Alagich's own goal and the match became level at one. Russia's Marina Saenko sent the ball into the area and Alagich tried to deflect it out, but accidentally angled it into her own net.

To much surprise, Russia coach Yuri Bystritsky did not start experienced Svetlana Petko, who has 13-plus years of service and 130 caps at goalkeeper. Instead, Alla Volkova got the nod and made a mistake by coming out too early on Small's attempt, which eventually led to the goal.

The match took a scrappy tone early on as the first shot wasn't fired until the 15 minute mark by Saenko.

Heather Garriock fired the first shot for the Matildas in the 19th minute, but Volkova was there for the save. Despite taking nearly 20 minutes to fire their first salvo, Australia's offense looked promising holding possession for 54 percent of the half.

Garriock had an excellent chance to put her squad in front in the 26th minute, but the midfielder could not convert a perfect through ball by star teammate Joanne Peters and Volkova was once again, there for the save.

Natalia Barbachina came right back for the Russians a minute later, but her one-timer from Elena Fomina slipped wide left.

Australia went into the locker room in a bit of trouble as defender Sacha Wainwright had to leave the pitch just before the whistle with an injury. Bryony Duus came on to replace her.

MATCH NOTES: The Matildas are seeking its first ever women's World Cup win in their third appearance.