After nearly two years away, the Matildas are finally home – destroying Brazil in a brilliant return to form.
Some 19 months after their last match on home soil, Australia beat Brazil 3-1 on Saturday night in front of a healthy crowd at the newly-renamed Commbank Stadium.
The team last played in Australia in March 2020 when they defeated Vietnam in Olympic qualification.
Their dominant first half was rewarded just before the break as defender Clare Polkinghorne poked home from close range via a clever free kick routine.
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Mary Fowler extended the advantage after half time when she headed home a beautiful Emily van Egmond cross.
There were some brief nerves from the green and gold faithful when a mistake from Allana Kennedy, in her 100th game, gave Brazil a passage back into the match.
A slip from the veteran defender allowed Adriana into the penalty area, who slotted past an isolated Lydia Williams.
It was somewhat cruel given how dominant Australia had been, but they didn’t allow that setback to fester, and instead set about attacking once again.
The Matildas ended matters when van Egmond added a goal to go with her assist, sliding home calmly after a low cross from Steph Catley.
They will play Brazil again at the same venue on Tuesday night.