Matildas vs Brazil: Australia wins 3-1 in first game back on home soil

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They are back. Engulfed in a firestorm of abuse claims the Matildas rose above unaffected by the saga to claim victory over the powerhouse of Brazil.

They’ve been engulfed in arguably the most tumultuous period in their history but amid the recent firestorm of abuse claims and misconduct allegations, the Matildas have emerged triumphant in their first game on home soil in nearly 18 months with a 3-1 victory over Brazil making it six straight wins over the fellow powerhouse nation.

With 15,270 double vaccinated people in attendance at CommBank Stadium, making it the biggest sporting crowd in Sydney since lockdown ended, the return of a roar reverberating around a football venue came courtesy of goals from veterans Clare Polkinghorne and Emily van Egmond either side of a deft header from teen sensation Mary Fowler.

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Coach Tony Gustavsson insisted his side was not affected by the sexual harassment saga surrounding the squad, courtesy of claims by Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna, and that showed as Australia blitzed the Brazilians in the early exchanges of the first half.

“Teams that want to be at the highest level and compete to win tournaments need to get used to that interest and pressure from the outside no matter what it is. This time it was this thing, another time it could be another thing and thriving under it and looking at pressure is a privilege is an important thing.

“Looking at how the players responded tonight, I’m pleased with how they did it. My coaching staff have been phenomenal in this camp in supporting that process.”

Matildas star Caitlin Foord echoes her coach, saying the off-field turmoil wasn’t playing on their minds.

“I don’t even think there was pressure. We just wanted to enjoy it. Being on home soil again in front of home fans, that’s been well overdue and that’s what got us through tonight”

“We just wanted to come here and put on a great show and block out the outside noise because we’re here for this team and that’s what we’re here to do.”

The reward for their enterprising opening came after 38 minutes through Polkinghorne, off one of several dangerous Australian set pieces in the first half.

The veteran centre-back tapped home at the back post after a delightful header across the six-yard box from Sam Kerr for her 12th goal in Matildas colours from 137 national team games.

Brazil responded well early on in the second 45 though and a sharp save was required on 47 minutes from Lydia Williams in the Matildas goal to keep scores level.

The Aussies assumed control not long after however as Van Egmond delivered a delightful ball across the area which was nodded home by a composed Fowler.

The super talented teenager was unperturbed by left back Katrine’s mistimed jump in front of her to net the third goal in two Matildas games and maintain her status as the rising star to watch ahead of the home World Cup in 2023.

Australia’s recent defensive issues didn’t dissipate entirely though, with Alanna Kennedy caught in possession unnecessarily at the back presenting a chance to Adriana, who duly converted to make it 2-1.

But when Van Egmond struck sweetly on the 80-minute mark for her 24th goal for Australia the contest was put to bed which allowed Gustavsson to hand national team debuts to Remy Siemsen and Bryleeh Henry late on.

Game two between the seventh ranked Brazilians and 11th ranked Australians is on Tuesday night at the same venue.

WE ARE BACK

There was the Everest last week but after three more torturous lockdown months, live team sport was back on in Sydney, vaccine passports and all. The sight of fans beaming as they streamed into a venue again, clad in Matildas green and gold was such a welcome one amid the delight of our recent return to freedom.

CAPTAIN KENNEDY’S MIXED NIGHT

It was a special night for Alanna Kennedy with the Manchester City centre-back give the captain’s armband for the night by Sam Kerr after chalking up cap number 100 for the Matildas. She’s become just the eleventh player to reach the mark and remarkably, at just 26 years of age having debuted for Australia as a 17-year-old. But the occasion was diluted slightly after she was caught out at the back bringing Brazil back into the contest.

TONY TURNS ON THE CHARM

With a World Cup on home soil only 18 months away, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is about to become one of the more recognisable figures in Australian sport. Results will determine how endearing the Swede becomes to the Aussie public but while he’s already becoming a media darling through his unique press conferences, his decision to don a Matildas scarf around his neck for the first 25 minutes of the contest won’t hurt his connection with the local fans either.

Originally published as Matildas vs Brazil: Australia wins 3-1 in first game back on home soil



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