Matildas waltz in 6-1
Awesome Aussies celebrate their greatest success
THE Matildas have blitzed their way to Tournament of Nations glory by defeating Brazil 6-1, claiming the competition in stunning style.
Doubles from recordbreaker Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Foord helped Australia overturn an early deficit in Carson, with Katrina Gorry also adding her name to the scoresheet.
Sam Kerr was irrepressible, winning a first-half penalty to earn an equaliser before providing two assists and icing the match with Australia’s sixth goal.
The comprehensive win was the Matildas’ third in a week and delivered their first piece of silverware since the 2010 Asian Cup.
While this tournament is only a friendly series, a first win over world champion USA and victories over highlyranked Japan and Brazil make it arguably the Matildas’ greatest success.
Yesterday win also gave Australia an element of revenge for their exit at last year’s Olympics at the hands of Brazil.
Coach Alen Stajcic said his side was a worthy champion.
“It’s a good feeling to put to- gether three performances like that and get better in each one,” he said. “It’s done so much for the confidence and belief of the group and laid a good platform for the future.”
Australia is likely to move up from its world ranking of seven ahead of next year’s Asian Cup and the 2019 World Cup — now within its sights. The triumph over Brazil came despite an early setback.
Skipper Elise KellondKnight conceded a free kick in the opening minute, which Tamires rolled across the box for Camila to score from. Five minutes later, Kerr helped Australia get back on terms. The in-form striker was hauled down in the box by Bia Zaneratto, allowing De Vanna to equalise from close range after her initial spot kick was saved. Arnold’s fine save and quick release allowed Australia to take the lead, with Foord finishing an end-to-end move just after the half-hour.
After the break, Foord made it five by latching onto substitute Tameka Butt’s fine through ball and rounding the keeper.