The Matildas enjoyed a raucous and triumphant homecoming with a thrilling 3-1 defeat of Brazil at CommBank Stadium on Saturday.
Veterans Claire Polkinghorne and Emily van Egmond, along with rookie Mary Fowler scored in a pulsating contest, where both teams attacked with verve from the start in front of almost 16,000 fans.
The game showed the immense promise that awaits in two years time when the FIFA World Cup comes down under, with a rowdy crowd roaring on both teams from the start against as the Matildas faced up against one of their biggest rivals.
Games between the two are always dog fights, and the challenges flew in from both sides from the start.
The contest was just eight minutes old when Tameka Yallop rose high in the box and whacked Brazil’s goalkeep Leticia square in the jaw with her knee.
Australia were causing set piece chaos in the Brazil defence, and that’s how the opener arrived.
Steph Cately floated a 37th minute free kick from the left to the far post. Sam Kerr was in space but instead of heading at goal, perfectly cushioned a square ball to Polkinghorne, who tapped in her 12th goal in her 137th international, celebrating wildly.
Australia made one change to Brazil’s four at halftime and Matildas substitute Emily van Egmond set up the scond for Fowler. The 18 year old’s goal was her fifth in 17 matches.
But within minutes of Australia’s second, Brazil hit back through Adriana. It came after a slip from Alanna Kennedy, who has a history of disappointment against Brazil, having missed the crucial penalty in the 2016 Olympic shootout loss. Kennedy became the 11th Matilda to reach 100 caps.
With Brazil legend Marta entering the game as a second half substitute, Adriana was denied an equaliser by desperate defending.
Instead it was the Matildas who went further ahead with van Egmond driving home after some superb team build up play.
The Matildas were back on home soil for the first time in 596 days for the first of two games against Brazil. The second will be on Tuesday night.
It was the first time the sides had met since the ‘Miracle of Montpellier’ at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and was a sixth straight victory over their foes, ending a three-game losing streak for Tony Gustavsson’s side. It was the Swedish coach’s first match in front of a home crowd.
“I can get used to this,” Gustavsson said. “Wow, what an atmosphere, what a support. I said I hope we get a taste of the World Cup and we did.
“This is what the [Matildas] are about, the core value of the team, the never say die attitude. High energy, octane attacking game.
“It was a team effort on and off the ball, our pressing game was really good. We defended set plays really good. I know what the experienced players can do, but some of the young players coming in … Kyra Cooney-Cross in the six that’s a lot of responsibility.”
Fowler was superb again.
“Every time I step out it’s a fun and exciting time,” she said. “This is my first game playing at home, so it’s been an amazing night for everyone. We were confident and stayed together for the whole match.”
chris
Guest
Punter both Bettega and nomates dont like it when the sokkah rates and they come up with these inane posts. I'm surprised Bettega hasn't changed his name (again). He has zero credibility now under that name and its usually the time he changes it.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Nomates Football 532,000 as per your calculation Rugby Union 350,000 as per your data. Behind Netball, doesn't make sense.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
VEry good ratings Came in 7th overall for Saturday.
chris
Guest
Over 430k watched the game on Ten. I know you are ch oking on your corn flakes (along with pip/bettega) but thats the fact.
NoMates
Roar Rookie
Its now a fact, The Matildas out rate the Socceroos. 317,000 watched the girls smash Brazil while only 215,000 watch the Socceroos v Japan. However 350,000 watched the Wallabies v Japan which pretty much shows where football belongs in Australia behind netball.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
A worthy homecoming for the Matildas, big crowd, big win, good media coverage. A big night fore womens football, and football more generally.
Lance Boil
Roar Rookie
What a pleasure this game was to watch. Two very skillful and committed teams in front of an enthusiastic fun loving crowd. I have to agree with others here the tv coverage was as good as it gets. Zero BS and the obligatory Glasgow accented expert !
NoMates
Roar Rookie
I missed the game last night but well done girls! I will deff be watching the next game.
Para+Ten ISUZU Subway support Australian Football
Roar Rookie
Thank you CBS-network-10. Truly amazing, the promotion, the reminders and Network 10’s internet email reminders have been astounding. No reason now for any football follower to complain about anything, or say, he/she “didn’t know the game was on”. Get Vaxed and sign up for Network 10’s football coverage.
Grem
Roar Rookie
What a great night. The Matildas played well, the crowd was great and the coverage was excellent. The joy on young girls' faces last night was so good to see. They had such admiration for that team last night - you can see football's participation numbers growing just from last night. Last night makes me really look forward to the ALW season to see what new talent will be pushing for spots in The Matildas. Who will be our next Mary Fowler? I believe the men's game marketers can learn from last night. How do we get that family friendly and joyous feel from last night to our ALM's games each week?
AGO74
Guest
Just got home from the game with my daughter. Fabulous night. Easily the most entertaining football friendly I’ve been too- men or women’s. Parramatta stadium is wonderful venue and I think it really inspired both teams who have both been playing in empty venues for so long. The Brazilian fans were magnificent Before tonight I thought it would be a successful World Cup in two years but coming away from parramatta stadium tonight all I could think of was with the cosmopolitan make up of Australian multi cultural society and how this will make it an amazing event. Well done Matildas and Football Australia! Gee Mary Fowler is a special talent.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
great game, and that was without Raso. But what a breath of fresh air Simon Hill is- all credit to Ten. A couple of good games, finals, on NPL TV too. Looks good for our game.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
+++++++++++++++++++ for 10's coverage tonight...
Tigertown
Guest
Very impressed with our attack. I feel the Matilda’s were hungry for more goals!