Kansas City: Australia got their defence of the Tournament of Nations title off to a fine start after defeating Brazil 3-1 at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas on Thursday.
Alen Stajcic's Australian side stretched their winning run against Brazil to four, with their efficiency in front of goal proving too much for the South American champions to handle.
Two first-half goals from set-pieces were followed by an excellent strike from Sam Kerr just after the interval, before Brazil's Debhina scored to reduce the deficit with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Looking to retain the Tournament of Nations title they won in 2017, the World No. 8 Australians were in front just nine minutes in after Brazilian Poliana deflected Elise Kellond-Knight's corner kick into her own net.
Brazil's set piece woes continued six minutes before half-time, this time falling to adequately clear Emily van Egmond's delivery and allowing Tameka Butt to nod home her first international goal since last November.
Butt was also influential in Australia's third goal, producing an excellent through ball to release Kerr, who celebrated her nomination for The Best FIFA Women's Player Award by slamming the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-0 in the 50th minute.
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What. A. Goal! @TamekaButt's pass @samanthakerr20's finish @foxfootballaus 0-3 #GoMatildas #ToN2018
Brazil pulled a goal back when Marta's expert wide delivery found Debinha in the 79th minute, and almost set up a nervy finish for Australia when more Marta trickery set up Beatriz six minutes later, only for the Incheon-based forward to be denied by an excellent stop from Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams.
Australia stood firm to record another impressive win, with further joy coming in the shape of a pair of late substitutions; one which saw Caitlin Foord end her long international injury lay-off, and another which served as the senior international debut for promising 15-year-old striker Mary Fowler.
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com