Matildas in fine touch

THE Matildas have reinforced their supremacy over Brazil with a 3-1 win to open their Tournament of Nations defence with a bang.

Two first-half goals from corners and a Samantha Kerr stunner booked Australia their fourth consecutive win over the South Americans.

Brazil had entered the match in Kansas City in form and determined for revenge, unbeaten in its past 12 outings since losing to the Matildas in Newcastle last September — including a ninegame winning stretch as it took out the Copa America Femenina earlier this year.

But the Australians claimed the lead in just the ninth minute and never looked in doubt, though coach Alen Stajcic won’t be happy with the way his side invited its opponents back into the contest late on.

“It’s a good result for us and always fantastic to beat a world-class team in Brazil. It’s not easy,” Stajcic said.

“The performance was a little bit up and down; good first half, maybe we can improve a little bit with our second half.

Defender Poliana handed the Matildas a dream start with an own-goal, inadvertently heading Elise Kellond-Knight’s tantalising corner kick into the net. Tameka Butt and Kerr scored either side of the break to put the game away before Brazil pulled back a consolation goal in the 79th minute through Debinha.