Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is about to find out if his side's recently acquired defensive steel can withstand an onslaught from a Spanish outfit oozing with class and style.
Australia play the second of their Cup of Nations games in Sydney on Sunday evening when they take on Spain, who are ranked seventh in the world.
The Matildas are on a run of three straight games without conceding for the first time since 2018 following Thursday's 4-0 win over Czechia.
But the game with La Roja will place their defensive credentials firmly under the microscope ahead of this year's World Cup on home soil.
Even accounting for some of their top names boycotting their national side, Spain beat the USA last October and warmed up for this encounter with a convincing 3-0 win over Jamaica on Thursday.
"I think the number one thing for us is that if you defend individually against the top teams, they break you down," Gustavsson said.
"You need to do it collectively ... against the top opposition you can't get away with having one player disconnected from a line (because), then the dominance starts to fall.
"I think we are one of the best pressing teams in the world. I think they're one of the best passing teams. Can we press against this team still?
"And when we don't, we need to get exposed and feel that now so we can fix it before the World Cup."
The meeting with Spain is meant to mirror the Matildas' second World Cup group game with Canada later this year, where the chance to top the pool is likely to be at stake.
The Matildas lost 7-0 when the two sides met in Andalucia last year but the complexions of both outfits have changed considerably.
Gustavsson opted to rest some of his star names while Spain are without 15 regulars for Sunday's meeting due to a dispute with head coach Jorge Vilda.
"That (loss last year) sits by itself," Gustavsson said.
"The one thing that Spain gives us now is an opportunity to test our defence against the best team in the world because that has to be done if you look at what side of the draw we're on (at the World Cup)."
The Swede is likely to roll out some of his big names for the Spanish examination after defender Alanna Kennedy and in-form Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord were both allowed to enjoy the win over Czechia from the bench.
