Matildas v Brazil: second international women's football friendly – live!

Evening and thanks for joining me for this, the second of the Matildas’ two home friendlies against Brazil.
The first, as you surely know, was held on Saturday in Penrith where, in front of 15,089 fans, the Matildas prevailed 2-1 thanks to a stunning left-foot volley from Lisa De Vanna and a clever header from Sam Kerr – who, right now, is hotter than a box of fidget spinners. Actually, she’s hotter, as fidget spinners may already be passé (and Kerr most certainly isn’t). How quickly fads come and go these days. When I were a lad fads lasted much longer. Kids today, they can’t even do fads right! But I digress…
On Saturday the Matildas rode their luck at times, with Brazil hitting the post twice in the second half, but considering the home team enjoyed more possession and dominated the shot count 23-6 you’d have to say the Aussies well and truly deserved the win.
That win, of course, ensured the Matildas continued the momentum they’d established from their thrilling Tournament of Nations victory (not to mention a new W-League pay deal). They are now unbeaten in their past seven games, all against top-15 ranked FIFA nations. The win also capped a memorable occasion for women’s football in this country, what with the quality of the opposition, the performance, the record (home) crowd, and even the sunshine that settled on the shoulders of the players like a blessing from above. After such a long road to recognition and respect it was as if women’s football had finally arrived.
Tonight the Matildas and Brazil face off in Newcastle where, despite it being a school night, another big crowd is expected. There are no certainties in sport – which is partly why we love it – but if the Matildas can bring their best game tonight they’ll place a cherry atop a cake of their own making.
Oh, yes, please drop me a line if you’re so inclined. Email, Twitter, homing pigeon, you choose. A good live blog can be like a good conversation.
KICK-OFF: 7.30pm

SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
posted by CAMPUS94