De Vanna, Kerr on target in Matildas win

Sep 16, 2017 - 8:10 AM A Lisa De Vanna wonder goal and a glancing Sam Kerr header turned it on for a sold-out crowd as the Matildas defeated Brazil 2-1 in Sydney.

Little over a month after wiping the floor with their Rio Olympics conquerers 6-1 to win the Tournament of Nations, the world No.6 Matildas opened their two-match friendly series at Pepper Stadium in Penrith by taking 23 shots to six.

Debinha's second half goal was no more than a consolation for the visitors.

Matildas coach Alen Stajcic praised his squad for a crowd-pleasing display.

"Even though there were scrappy moments in the game I still thought we deserved the win and showed some elements of the things that will help us get to where we want to get to," Stajcic said.

Brazil nearly stole an early advantage in the first half when Rosanna's header blazed marginally wide of Lydia Williams' post.

Amid the ensuing flurry, Caitlin Foord inexplicably diverted her own header wide of an open goal after Kerr popped a ball into the crowded back post.

Kerr, shortlisted last month to be named the world's best women's player, was electric throughout.

But it was De Vanna who drew first blood via a stunning long-range volley just shy of the break.

Latching onto Tameka Butt's flick pass, Australia's all-time record scorer delivered yet another masterclass with her left-foot volley from distance eliciting a rousing reception from the 15,089-strong crowd.

The Brazilians returned with a strong spell of possession that allowed five-time world player of the year Marta to send in a cross which Cristiane failed to connect.

Andressinha's shot was a sure thing had Williams not made a leaping save onto the post, before the Australian goalkeeper tipped Cristiane's strike onto the upright and recovered well to re-gather.

But Kerr kept probing and, after going into the book for dissent, kept her composure to put a back header into the net courtesy of Alanna Kennedy's cross.

Substitute Debinha ensured Brazil won't enter Tuesday night's rematch in Newcastle empty-handed, tracking behind Ellie Carpenter to convert.

"Compared to the last game at the Tournament of Nations we got more things right, but we made two mistakes against a very strong team that has been developing," said Brazil coach Emily Lima.

"In the second half we had more control and scored with a specific type of goal we are used to."

Source: AAP