The Matildas have beaten Brazil for the fourth straight time, putting in a dominating performance to pick up a 3-1 victory in Kansas City to open the Tournament of Nations.
The Australian side dominated the first half, an own goal putting them onto the scoreboard first after just nine minutes.
They had 60 per cent possession at halftime though and fully deserved their goals, forcing Brazil to do a lot of defensive work.
Their other goal before halftime came off another corner, with Tameka Butt being in the right place at the right time to head one into the back of the net.
Sam Kerr would put the game beyond doubt in the 50th minute, putting home a wonderful strike after burning the defenders.
Brazil came up with a consolation goal and some good pressure at the end of the game, but were never going to pull back the three-goal lead of their opponents.
Australia will now play the USA on Friday, while Brazil continue their tournament of nations against Japan.
Final score
Australia 3
Brazil 1
The 2018 Tournament of Nations gets underway with the Matildas looking to make a strong start to their title defence when they take on Brazil in Kansas. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6:15am (AEST).
Australia were the surprise winners of this tournament last year. After beating hosts the USA, then going past Japan, they smacked Brazil 6-1, moving through the three games undefeated.
With the same four teams, the Aussies need to get off to a flying start, given the USA are the top-ranked team in the world and Japan are still a very strong outfit.
The Matildas, ranked eighth in the world, have only lost two of their last 17 matches in the last 12 months, with just three draws among those fixtures.
It’s been an impressive run, although they heartbreakingly lost the recent Asian Cup to Japan 1-0. That came after a draw with the same team in the group stages and a win on penalties over Thailand in the semi-final.
Before that, Australia were strong at the Algarve Cup, beating Norway and China, before losing to Portugal in the third-place play-off.
So, while the Matildas have lost some big games, they have displayed great form since last year’s Tournament of Nations.
They will again be led by one of the world’s best players in Sam Kerr, who scored four goals here last year, while Lisa De Vanna will add a stack of experience as the Matildas’ most capped player.
Brazil, on the other hand, only came away with a draw in this competition last year. After a promising start against Japan, they were beaten convincingly in their final two games.
The South Americans are ranked seventh in their world and, unlike their male counterparts, have never won the World Cup or Olympic gold.
Brazil might be one slot above Australia in the word rankings, but haven’t found a way past the Matildas in any of their last three fixtures.
They have, however, turned their form around since those friendlies in Australia to win 11 of their last 12 matches, with the only blip on the radar a draw against China away from home. Otherwise, they have been dominant in qualifying for the 2019 World Cup, only conceding two goals in seven matches.
Still, Australia are a cut above all those nations.
Prediction
Australia go into this match as favourites and rightfully so. After beating Brazil twice at home earlier this year in friendlies, they should do the job again.
Australia 3-2 Brazil.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the opening match at the Tournament of Nations from 6:15am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Cousin Claudio
Roar Guru
Great effort. Sam Kerr is a fantastic sports ambassador for Australia - please note that FFA marketing department. She should be in the faces of the Australian sporting public at every opportunity. A much better Australian football shining light now Timmy Caltex is uber in the US counting his huge World Cup bonus for 20 minutes work..
Nemesis
Guest
Would be as effective & successful as Sally Pearson running 110m hurdles for AUS in the men's competition at the Olympics. Terrific victory by the Women's team. Superb finish by Sam Kerr. Let's celebrate the achievements for what they are. This is a Women's competition
JamesH
Roar Guru
Any chance Kerr is allowed to play for the Socceroos?
Post_hoc
Roar Rookie
We looked a little rusty, a higher number of passes failed to find their mark, we looked a little slow to the ball. The tournament does show the amazing depth the squad has, some quality players coming off the bench, massive headache for selectors going forward, which quality player to leave out. I was a little disappointed in van egmond, she didn't have her normal dominant game, her poor touch resulted in the Brazil goal. Kerr looked a little lazy towards the end. I know i sound particularly negative for a team that just won 3-1. Williams had a very good game, the back 4 were very good, very smart.
Graham
Guest
Fair enough didn't see us at our best then!
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Excellent result
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this morning right here on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2018 Tournament of Nations as Australia beat Brazil 3-1. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. We will be back on Monday morning at 9am (AEST) with the Matildas second game against the USA. I'll be on for the third game next Friday at 7:45am (AEST) against Japan. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Brazil were a mile better in the last half hour than they were for the remainder. Australia dominated the first hour.
Graham
Guest
Watched the last 30 which may not be representitive we dominated territory and possession but Brazil actually looked technically superior to me. Our main advantage was our ability to turn over the ball in dangerous areas when Brazil were trying to work the ball out. Reckon its hot weather too which affected the speed of the game
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME The Matildas have beaten Brazil for the fourth straight time, putting in a dominating performance to pick up a 3-1 victory in Kansas City to open the Tournament of Nations. The Australian side dominated the first half, an own goal putting them onto the scoreboard first after just nine minutes. They had 60 per cent possession at halftime though and fully deserved their goals, forcing Brazil to do a lot of defensive work. Their other goal before halftime came off another corner, with Tameka Butt being in the right place at the right time to head one into the back of the net. Sam Kerr would put the game beyond doubt in the 50th minute, putting home a wonderful strike after burning the defenders. Brazil came up with a consolation goal and some good pressure at the end of the game, but were never going to pull back the three-goal lead of their opponents. Australia will now play the USA on Friday, while Brazil continue their tournament of nations against Japan. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Yesssssssss. Great work ladies!!!!!!
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Adriana to Marta and Brazil are on the attack as time expires here. Marta will have a shot, it's blocked away and the Matildas have beaten Brazil for the fourth straight time. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 5' - Brazil with one last set play here, but nothing comes of it as Williams picks it up easily. That's going to be just about all this one wrote. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 4' - SUB: Australia - Mary Fowler (on), Sam Kerr (off) What a moment for Fowler. The 15-year-old makes her international debut, replacing the Australian superstar up front with a minute and a half to go. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 3' - From the substitution it's Australia onto the attack with Gorry trying to turn and shoot, but it fires wide of the right post. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 2' - Yellow Card - Borini (Brazil) Borini with an ordinary challenge on Sam Kerr. Stepped on her foot in fact there and the Brazilian sub will go into the book. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90 + 1' - Barbara cleans up this time as an Australian attacking play through Kerr comes to nothing. Five minutes of stoppage time in the second half. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
90' - This is Australia's fifth corner of the game as we hit the final minute. It's not a great one at the far post though and the Brazilians manage to clear it away, getting the ball back through their defensive line after a possible counter attack was shut down quickly. Australia 3 Brazil 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
89' - A short goalkick this time and Brazil found themselves under some serious pressure. Kerr gets the ball back into the penalty area, then Foord passes up a shot before taking one, the ball being blocked out for a corner. Australia 3 Brazil 1