Match Recap (Via Australian National Team) - Australia were gifted the perfect start through Poliana’s own goal, with the Brazil defender heading Elise Kellond-Knight’s corner past goalkeeper Barbara in the eighth minute.
And it was another corner delivery, this time from Emily van Egmond, that allowed Tameka Butt to double the lead shortly before half time.
Van Egmond’s cross floated over the arms of Barbara before bouncing off the knees of Daiane, leaving the Australian midfielder to send a stooping header into an empty net.
While two set piece errors were Brazil’s undoing in a physical opening half, there was no doubting the class of Australia’s third.
After gaining possession in midfield, Butt slid Sam Kerr through on goal where she advanced into the area and lifted the ball over Barbara with an emphatic finish.
Kerr found the net in each of the Westfield Matildas’ last three victories over the South Americans, and this strike – her 25th in green and cold - captured the striker’s exceptional intelligence, power and finesse.
Five-time player of the year Marta tried her best to drag Brazil back into the contest with a few surging runs and delicate touches, and was on hand to tee up a 78th minute strike for Debinha, who tucked away a cutback from close range.
It proved to be little more than a consolation effort for the reigning Copa América Femenina Champions, who will need to pick up three points against Japan on Monday morning to keep their tournament dream alive.
Australia can strengthen their claim for back to back titles in their clash with the United States in Connecticut, also on Monday morning, kick off 9:00AM (AEST).
Westfield Matildas 3 (Poliana o.g 8’, Butt 39’, Kerr 49’)
Brazil 1 (Debhina 79’)
Friday 27 June, 2018
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
Westfield Matildas XI: Lydia Williams, Ellie Carpenter, Clare Polkinghorne, Alanna Kennedy, Elise Kellond-Knight, Emily van Egmond, Tameka Butt (Alex Chidiac 75’), Chloe Logarzo (Caitlin Foord 86’), Kyah Simon (Katrina Gorry 59’), Hayley Raso (Lisa De Vanna 69’), Sam Kerr (Mary Fowler 90+3’)
Brazil XI: Barbara, Poliana, Monica, Daiane, Tamires, Marta, Andressinha, Thaisa, Debinha, Thais, Beatriz
