The Matildas have booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup after securing their first ever knockout stage victory in a 1-0 win over Brazil early this morning.
Kyah Simon’s 80th minute goal proved the only difference maker, courtesy of a brilliant pass from Katrina Gorry in the midfield which released Lisa De Vanna – her initial shot was parried away by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana into Simon’s path to send back into the net.
Although Brazil had the majority of the chances, particularly in the first-half, they were unable to beat Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who made an impressive six saves to keep the Matildas in the game.
Australia outplayed the Samba Queens for large portions of the second 45 and were rewarded for the dogged defensive efforts and never say die attitude with Simon’s goal
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash with the winner of Japan versus the Netherlands on Sunday morning.
The Matildas’ defensive effort was top notch
Another match against top 10 opposition was always going to be a test for the Matildas after they progressed from the group of death. With a plethora of quality attacking options at their disposal, Brazil dominated the opening 45 minutes of the match.
However, the Matildas’ defence was more than up to the task. Not only were the back four of Laura Alleway, Alanna Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Stephanie Catley excellent in their marking of the Brazil’s front three – Marta, Cristiane and Andressa Alves – but the ever present Elise Kellond-Knight was once again immense in her role as the holding midfielder.
On top of that, the efforts of Lisa De Vanna and Sam Kerr in tracking back to provide extra cover on the flanks as well as the way in which the whole team kept a tight, organised defensive structure for most of the match ensured the Australians were able to keep Brazil at bay.
Tale of two halves
It is a game of two halves says the old football cliché. This was certainly the case in this round of 16 clash. Brazil dominated proceedings in the opening half. They had majority of possession, created the best chances on goal and, overall, looked the more threatening and likely of the two teams to score.
At the restart, the Matildas were able to hold onto the ball better, keeping possession and going forward on more occasions with a lot more intent than in the opening half. Australia was able to play Brazil out of the game with extended periods of possession, which saw the Brazilians get visibly frustrated.
As the second half progressed Alen Stajcic’s defence seemingly got stronger and more impenetrable, while the Brazilians began to lose shape and dropped off De Vanna, who they had been marking incessantly for most of the game, which allowed her to beat the offside trap leading to the winning goal.
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The Matildas are capable of winning the whole tournament
While many are touting the Matildas’ victory over Brazil as an upset, there has been evidence from the very first group match against the USA that Australia were entirely capable of progressing very deep in the World Cup.
The group of death was arguably a blessing in disguise with the team able to pit themselves against high quality opposition without the immediate threat of elimination. The team has been able to improve and refine Alen Stajcic’s playing style and have looked more confident with each passing game.
This match against Brazil highlighted that the Matildas are capable of defending for the full 90 minutes and can maintain a compact defensive structure, while the attacking options of the Australians have been present all throughout the group stages of the tournament.
Of course, the further the girls progress in the tournament, the tougher the opposition and the higher the stakes will be. But there is no reason why the Matildas cannot continue their run in the tournament and they will continue to play the attacking, fearless football that has gotten them this far, no matter the opposition.
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