The concession of two second half goals was a stark reminder that the Matildas defensive achillies heel is still a major worry for Tony Gustavsson’s squad.
The Matildas defensive deficiencies have again proven to be the key issue for manager Tony Gustavsson to solve after two second half goals were conceded to spurn the chance for a series clean sweep against Brazil and end a six-game winning streak over the fellow powerhouse nation, following a 2-2 draw in Sydney.
Another healthy crowd, this time 12,087 double vaccinated fans, were in attendance at Commbank Stadium to witness a thrilling and gripping encounter that Australia seemed set to triumph in for the second time in three days.
A second goal in as many games from veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne sent the Matildas on their way before captain Sam Kerr etched ever closer to history, netting her 49th national team goal, one shy of Tim Cahill’s all-time Australian record, to put the game firmly in Australia’s control.
But with the Asian Cup in India only three months away and a microscope firmly placed on the team ahead of the 2023 home World Cup, the Swede Gustavsson needs to rapidly address the defensive frailties that continue to appear, as the Matildas gave up their winning position by conceding two defendable goals.
Just like she did on Saturday evening, it was Polkinghorne who again got the party started in Parramatta inside the opening 10 minutes, taking advantage of a stray Brazilian header to finish at the back post and run off in unbridled joy to celebrate in front of a raucous Matildas faithful.
The Matildas two biggest names combined to put Australia 2-0 up with Ellie Carpenter, who was devastating down the right yet again, playing in Kerr who proceeded to lash the ball home from a 45-degree angle for yet another magical individual moment from the star striker in green and gold.
Despite the dominant position Australia were in though, Brazil had looked dangerous all evening, opening up the Matildas at the back on numerous occasions and then striking in the second half.
Defender Erika was the first to take advantage, exposing some statuesque Australian defending in the 64th minute by heading home a corner unmarked from six yards out that gave the South American giants hope.
Seven minutes later and the world’s seventh ranked nation were level after goalkeeper Lydia Williams failed to deal with a long-range cross allowing Debinha to smash home the equaliser from close range.
IMMORTAL MARTA STARTS
The healthy crowds for the two friendlies were well populated by Sydney’s Brazilian community and many were there to watch the legendary Marta in the flesh. After the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year started from the bench in game one there was delight when the 35 year old, who is still national team skipper, led the team out for her 166th national team appearance.
YOUNG TALENT TIME
There was a stark reminder of the two young stars one needs to keep an eye on ahead of the home World Cup in 2023 through two glorious moments in the opening 45 minutes. Firstly, 19-year-old Kyra Cooney-Cross had the crowd gasping with a raking cross-field ball to release Sam Kerr from the defensive midfield position that she looks so comfortable in, before fellow teenager Mary Fowler outdid her only slightly with a gorgeous through ball that Caitlin Foord should have made the most of.
ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER LIKELY
They’ve been a hot ticket item for a while now in Australian sport and Football Australia is confident the Matildas will be on show again next month with two more home friendlies, quite possibly against another superpower in coach Tony Gustavsson’s former team, the four-time World Cup winners, USA.
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