Matildas win over Brazil
FOOTBALL:
The Matildas are the inaugural winners of the Tournament of Nations thanks to a superb 6-1 win over Brazil in Los Angeles.
Having beaten USA and Japan, Alen Stajcic’s side needed to just draw to ensure the trophy came with them back to Australia.
Bringing silverware back home, before squaring off again against the Brazilians in two friendlies in Australia in September, is a sign of Australia’s progress and at least some revenge for the heartbreak from 2016.
After enduring a horror start, conceding a goal after 68 seconds, the Matildas’ response was outstanding, particularly in an entertaining, end-to-end first-half where they blew the Brazilians, the side that conquered them in controversial circumstances at the Rio Olympics one year ago, off the park.
Lisa De Vanna showed great composure to slot home a finish on the rebound after an eighth-minute penalty was saved by Brazil goalkeeper Dani Neuhaus.
Then, it was time for Sam Kerr to show off her skills.
The superstar surged down the right, and then the left, to tee up goals for Caitlin Foord, and then De Vanna again, who became the Matildas’ all-time leading scorer with her 42nd strike.
But the first-half party was not done yet, with Katrina Gorry showing her immense class to slot a fourth with a shot drilled across the face of goal.
Australia added another two goals in the second-half; although the end-to-end action was less frenetic.
The Matildas did not relent with their defensive attitude, with the Brazilians unable to force their way back into the contest.