The Australian Matildas were left stunned as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to a youthful and rejuvenated Brazil side in the emotional farewell match for veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The 168-cap stalwart, who is the most-capped player for either gender in Australian football history, was hoping for a triumphant send-off but the young Brazilians had other ideas.
Brazil’s Bright Future on Display
Brazil, who are gearing up to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, fielded a side brimming with young talent. The veteran of the team, Duda Sampaio, had only 29 caps to her name, while two-goal hero Amanda Gutierres was earning just her third cap. The average age of the Brazilian starting XI was a mere 23 years old, but they showed no fear against their more experienced opponents.
Gutierres Gives Brazil Early Lead
The warning signs were there for the Matildas from the outset. Just six minutes in, a long ball from defender Vitória Calhau found Marília Furiel, who nodded it into the path of Amanda Gutierres. The 23-year-old rounded goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and slotted home to give Brazil a shock early lead.
We knew we had to start fast and try to catch them off guard. Getting that early goal was massive for our confidence.
Amanda Gutierres, Brazilian goalscorer
The Matildas, playing with a back five, were struggling to deal with Brazil’s pace and direct attacking play. This was exemplified in the 13th minute when fullback Ellie Carpenter, caught high up the pitch, was left chasing Aline Gomes. The 19-year-old Brazilian cut the ball back for Gutierres to fire home her second of the match.
Queiroz Punishes Kennedy Error
Things went from bad to worse for Australia in the 54th minute. Alanna Kennedy was caught in possession by substitute Giovana Queiroz, who had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes. The 21-year-old rounded Polkinghorne before calmly slotting past Arnold for Brazil’s third.
Foord Pulls One Back
The Matildas did manage to pull a goal back just before halftime through the ever-impressive Caitlin Foord. The Arsenal forward produced a moment of individual brilliance, turning Brazilian defender Isa Haas inside out before placing her shot beyond Natascha Honegger. It was, however, a rare moment of incisive play from the Australians.
Caitlin was immense for us once again. She’s a world-class player and we’re lucky to have her. We just couldn’t get her on the ball enough.
Tony Gustavsson, Matildas Head Coach
Polkinghorne Bids Emotional Farewell
The script may not have gone to plan on the pitch, but it was still an emotionally charged evening as Clare Polkinghorne bid farewell to the green and gold. The 34-year-old was given an individual entrance ahead of her 168th and final appearance, as well as a video tribute and presentation from Queenslander rugby league great Darren Lockyer.
Polkinghorne, who was too emotional to give a long speech, simply said: “Thank you very much, and let’s get on with it.” She was given a standing ovation by the 47,501-strong crowd when substituted in the 63rd minute.
Work to Do for Matildas
The result and performance will be concerning for Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson. Coming off the back of their historic fourth-place finish at their home World Cup, many were expecting the Australians to kick on. However, they looked sluggish and vulnerable at the back against a Brazilian side filled with inexperienced but hugely talented youngsters.
We have a lot of work to do, that’s clear. But I have faith in this group. We’ll learn from this, I have no doubt about that.
Tony Gustavsson, Matildas Head Coach
With another match against Brazil to come on Sunday, followed by two games against Taiwan next week, Gustavsson will be hoping for significant improvements. The Swede is under no illusions about the task he faces to keep the Matildas at the top of the world game, especially with a new generation of talented sides like Brazil emerging.
For now, though, the focus will be on reflecting on the incredible career of Clare Polkinghorne. A titan of Australian football, her 168 appearances may never be surpassed. While she didn’t get the fairytale ending on the pitch, her legacy is secure. The Matildas will move forward, but they’ll do so knowing they’re standing on the shoulders of a giant.
Polkinghorne Bids Emotional Farewell
The script may not have gone to plan on the pitch, but it was still an emotionally charged evening as Clare Polkinghorne bid farewell to the green and gold. The 34-year-old was given an individual entrance ahead of her 168th and final appearance, as well as a video tribute and presentation from Queenslander rugby league great Darren Lockyer.
Polkinghorne, who was too emotional to give a long speech, simply said: “Thank you very much, and let’s get on with it.” She was given a standing ovation by the 47,501-strong crowd when substituted in the 63rd minute.
Work to Do for Matildas
The result and performance will be concerning for Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson. Coming off the back of their historic fourth-place finish at their home World Cup, many were expecting the Australians to kick on. However, they looked sluggish and vulnerable at the back against a Brazilian side filled with inexperienced but hugely talented youngsters.
We have a lot of work to do, that’s clear. But I have faith in this group. We’ll learn from this, I have no doubt about that.
Tony Gustavsson, Matildas Head Coach
With another match against Brazil to come on Sunday, followed by two games against Taiwan next week, Gustavsson will be hoping for significant improvements. The Swede is under no illusions about the task he faces to keep the Matildas at the top of the world game, especially with a new generation of talented sides like Brazil emerging.
For now, though, the focus will be on reflecting on the incredible career of Clare Polkinghorne. A titan of Australian football, her 168 appearances may never be surpassed. While she didn’t get the fairytale ending on the pitch, her legacy is secure. The Matildas will move forward, but they’ll do so knowing they’re standing on the shoulders of a giant.
