Trailing for close to 80 minutes in the match, the Matildas fought back to not only draw level at 5-5 but struck the winner through Michelle Heyman in the dying moments to reignite their challenge for a place in the quarter-finals.
“This was one of the craziest games we’ve ever played, we didn’t play well and we conceded a lot of goals,” said Gustavsson.

“But this is not the time to dwell about how we conceded five goals, rather this is the time to talk about the spirit in this team.

“How we responded to them scoring with their first shot and how we still won despite conceding five goals. This group of players are amazing.”

Having lost their opening match 3-0 to Germany, Australia knew they were in a bit of a make or break situation against Zambia and after a disappointing first half, produced an inspired comeback after the restart – led by a brace from captain Steph Catley.

Gustavsson was hopeful that the win could provide the confidence boost to his team ahead of their final Group B clash against the United States on Wednesday.

“Sometimes it takes a couple of games to get into a tournament and hopefully we play our way into this tournament when it comes to form.

“No one can question their fitness after today, to be able to push through that type of game when you’re three goals down with 35 minutes to go.

“There are things we can do better defensively, yes, but I think if we are fair, if you want to look at all the chances we had we were close to eight to 10 goals in this game,” he added.

The other match in the group saw the United States seal a place in the next stage after defeating Germany 4-1.