The Matildas have shocked Brazil with a stunning 6-1 win to claim the Tournament of Nations in America.
Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Foord both scored two goals to give the Austalian team some revenge after losing to Brazil at last year’s Olympics.
Sam Kerr was once again the star and had two assists and scored one herself as the Matildas dominated for most of the match.
The match started poorly for the Australians, as Brazil struck through Camila early on to give the South American giants something to smile about. However, minutes later Australia won a penalty from a set piece which Lisa De Vanna scored from the rebound to make it 1-1 after seven minutes.
Australia dominated from that point on as two long range goal kicks set up De Vanna and Caitlin Foord to score from Kerr assists to give Australia a 3-1 lead. Australia soon had a fourth as Katrina Gorry struck well into the corner to give the Matildas a large half-time lead.
In the second half, the Matildas waltzed through proceedings adding another two from Foord and finally Kerr to complete the rout.
The Matildas are back in action, as they face a tough Brazil side in the Tournament of Nations this Friday morning. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, from 9:15am AEST.
The Matildas are on fire. Wins against the mighty USA and the technically gifted force of Japan have given Australia great momentum for their upcoming match against Brazil on Friday morning.
Sam Kerr has been on fire for the Matildas, guiding them towards a 4-2 win over the Asian champions and helping Australian to two consecutive wins at the tournament.
Kerr will look to continue this astonishing run against Brazil, who despite being a major powerhouse in the sport have struggled in recent games.
Losses against the likes of Germany and the United States, interrupted with a draw against Japan, have left the South American giant without a win in three games.
Additionally, Brazil will find it hard to stop a rampaging Australia side on this occasion, with the Matildas record-breaking win over the US still fresh in their minds.
However, Brazil are clearly no push overs and the Matildas need to play at the same high level as they have in recent games if they are to win on Friday morning.
The match is close to being a tournament decider – if Australia can manage to win or draw, they’ll be victorious in the inaugural Tournament of Nations.
However, if they lose they’ll leave the door just slightly ajar for the USA to swoop in and take a win when they play Japan in the match following this one.
Prediction
Australia in this kind of form should be too strong to stop, however, it should be a close match with the South American superstars.
Australia 2-1
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, from 9:15am AEST.
Nemesis
Guest
I consider "the long ball" to be an aimless ball in the air in the direction of a team mate with back to the opponent's goal. I consider a long pass to be a perfectly weighted ball over the high defensive line with an attacker facing the opponent's goal and running forward.
punter
Guest
Playing the long ball is easy to defend if that is all you do. The Matildas played the ball around & other times choose the long ball, this can only be done when you can play with the ball, this can only be done when you have options. The Matildas has the ability to have options, the Socceroos have not, we have to master the short passing first.
Nemesis
Guest
Great observations, jb. In particular, I, too, was going to comment about the long ball. The long ball is a wonderful option if it is a long pass into the gaps behind a high defensive line. It's such an obvious option, I can't understand why it's not done more often. Especially, teams like Victory last year who had wonderful wide attacking options: Rojas, FBK, Ingham Austin... too often the went forward too slowly through the middle when a simple ball from Troisi to Rojas would tear defences apart.
j,binnie
Guest
Nemesis - It wasn't only the score that was impressive it was the way it was accomplished. In the past I have watched the Matildas struggle somewhat,especially when facing, a speedy attack but the inclusion of the youngster Carpenter has had a lot to do with solving the problem,she was always available for the ball purveyor Van Egmond, and yet did her defensive duties so well. Hope the anti long ball merchants were watching. When you have 3 tireless workers like De Vanna ,Kerr and Foord playing up front the shrewdly played long ball over a back line is going to play an important role and didn't these 3 players exploit deliveries into space where they could use their undoubted pace superiority over their opponents. A great show indeed and some of our HAL teams could learn from this display. Cheers girls jb.
punter
Guest
Exactly!!!! We were strong & faster, but also played better football.
jupiter53
Roar Pro
You would think so. It gives young Australian women even more to aspire to, and must be attractive to high quality imported players.
Lionheart
Guest
Great win, great game. Very impressive Matildas - no fuss, no drama queens, no selfishness - just play the game. Surely the W League must benefit from this.
jamesb
Guest
Magnificent Matildas! They bring so much positive energy and joy to all of us. I am very proud of them.
jupiter53
Roar Pro
Wow!. There has been a sense since the last World Cup that the Matildas were getting close to the top tier of women's football, but what a way to arrive....
rolly
Guest
so true Australian FTA commercial Tv is an embarrassment and un australian there is no coverage of our teams wonderful tournament , a little on ABC but thats it .FTA tv is so out of touch no wonder no ones watching
Minz
Guest
Yeeees Matildas!
Minz
Guest
Apparently it is for points.
rolly
Guest
Stunning performance by the Matilda's .just brilliant .congratulations .we actually beat Brazil in football .this is huge
punter
Guest
Just awesome display!!!! These ladies are superstars, Sam Kerr, what a player.
Sydneysider
Guest
A fitting end to a sombre week for football fans in Australia. Les would have been proud today to see a performance like that. On top of the FFA Cup producing some more upsets from NPL clubs against A-League opponents and matches being played all over the country, including the Northern Territory and Tasmania. Great to see that not everything is negative for the game in this country.
Torchbearer
Guest
That series of wins are sure to strengthen our case....
Stevo
Roar Rookie
I'm sure Les, Johnny and the rest were watching! BRILLIANT STUFF and now to bring the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup to Oz!!!!!
Torchbearer
Guest
Well that will be the silverware decided!!!!
DaniE
Roar Guru
Hehe Sam, thanks much for ze blog
DaniE
Roar Guru
Magnificent - what an upward trajectory through the tournament. Future's bright.