The Matildas have played out a 2-2 draw at CommBank Stadium after Brazil pulled off a stunning second-half comeback.
Tonight’s draw puts an end to the Matildas’ six-game winning streak against the No.7 ranked nation, who were out to avenge their 3-1 loss to Australia last weekend.
Leading 2-0 after the 53rd-minute, courtesy of goals to Clare Polkinghorne and Sam Kerr, Australia’s big lead quickly disappeared.
Erika hit back for Brazil in the 64th minute before Debinha was gifted the perfect opportunity to equalise only seven minutes later.
After a stunning save by Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams, the ball quickly deflected and landed straight at the feet of Debinha who, along with the ball, crashed into the net.
The result for Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson means he’s still yet to taste back-to-back wins since taking over in September last year.
Gustavsson conceded his side has a lot to work on as they get ready for next year’s Asian Cup followed by the 2023 World Cup.
“It’s a different team. Brazil came out as a different team with a stronger line-up … this was a proper quality football game,” Gustavsson said after the match.
“The beginning of the game we played really well but then Brazil dominated the last 30 minutes of the first half and took us a tactical talk and to gather ourselves in the locker room at half-time.
“The first 15 minutes [of the second half] was phenomenal from our side, what a response from our players to step up and take the game over.
“Honestly, we can talk about tactic but at the end of the day, it’s tempo.
“We took some learnings today … we’re in preparation mode now.
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“Some of these players need to learn to play quicker … as you saw, we kept playing out.
“Even though we lost the ball, we kept playing out because we need to train and be better at it and deal with that high press. But we played too slow in parts today.”
While Brazil dominated much of the match, Gustavsson said considering the Matildas were in front, there was no excuse not to win.
“When you’re winning 2-0 at home … I shouldn’t say I’m too pleased but I’m pleased with the learning and preparation.
“We should have got away with a win … when you are winning 2-0, you want to come off the field winning the game.”
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Meanwhile, Kerr tonight notched her 49th goal for the Matildas.
Kerr is now one goal away from equalling Tim Cahill’s record of 50 goals for national team duties.
It was also another big night for Polkinghorne, who notched her second goal in as many matches for the Matildas.
“It was battle for 90 minutes, we were expecting it. They’re a proud nation,” Polkinghorne said.
“They came out swinging … the first half we lacked a bit of confidence and energy but we turned that around at half-time.
“But they kept on coming and they’re a class team and that’s what they do.
“Sometimes you have to show a bit of character and grind the game out and we did that, scored a couple of goals and it created a little buffer, which we needed tonight.”