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This was published 1 year ago

Matildas v Brazil friendly as it happened: Clare Polkinghorne farewells Brisbane

Nick Wright
Updated ,first published

Key Posts

Foord power not enough in Matildas legend’s Brisbane farewell

Foord power not enough in Matildas legend’s Brisbane farewell

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It may not have been the dream Brisbane farewell Clare Polkinghorne would have envisioned, but it nevertheless epitomised the brand she has brought to the Matildas’ jersey throughout a decorated 18-year career.

Tough, uncompromising, fearless and a heated battle.

A valiant display from Australian striker Caitlin Foord could not offset an early brace from Brazilian counterpart Amanda Gutierres in a 3-1 defeat at Suncorp Stadium, as a tale of two football styles were put on show in front of more than 40,000 fans.

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For the visitors, at times they were at their typical classy best - making Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold work with every shot, while showing off plenty of speed to keep their rival defenders on the backfoot.

Brazil triumph in Brisbane

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Fulltime: Brazil have triumphed 3-1 in Brisbane, in a brutal encounter at Suncorp Stadium.

The Matildas were valiant, but the class of the South Americans stood out - particularly early in the contest when they struck a rapid double blow.

These two sides will square-off again on Sunday, when they take to the Gold Coast’s Cbus Super Stadium.

Another injury victim is claimed

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101st minute: Now Brazil’s Fe Palermo has left the field, unwilling to put any weight on her ankle as two medical staff members help her off.

This clash has been far from friendly. It has been physical, aggressive and has claimed many victims.

Unfortunately for the Matildas, this one is all but over, as Sharn Freier’s strike from in front is miraculously saved.

Brazil lead 3-1.

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So close, as Raso goes down

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93rd minute: Hayley Raso is down and looks to be in agony, and with that, the Matildas extra player advantage has been taken out.

Australia comes within a whisker of striking back through Sharn Freier, courtesy of a strong low and hard cross from Steph Catley, but the Brisbane Roar youngster was unable to finish the job.

Raso is back on her feet and wants to finish this contest.

Brazil lead 3-1.

11 minutes to produce a miracle

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90th minute: The clash’s 90 minutes of regulation time are up, but the Matildas still have 11 minutes of stoppage time to muster a miracle.

The Brazilians have been ultra-aggressive off the ball, relentlessly getting in Australia’s faces, but the hosts are refusing to take a backwards step.

Brazil lead 3-1.

Red card! Is this the opening the Matildas need?

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87th minute: Brazil’s Vitoria Calhau receives her second yellow card, and is given her marching orders after attempting to slow Ellie Carpenter’s attempts to take an early free kick.

Is this the opening the Matildas need to orchestrate a late comeback?

Brazil lead 3-1.

Brazil’s Yasmin has been another casualty of this clash, stretchered from the field.AP
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Foord saves the day

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79th minute: Whether she is attacking or defending, Caitlin Foord is making her presence felt.

She has come out of nowhere to shut down Giovana’s attempt to bury this contest, and the Brazilian is on the ground receiving medical assessment as a result. She has dished out plenty, but also appears OK to play on.

The crowd figure for this clash has surpassed 47,000. What a show.

Brazil lead 3-1.

Heatley leaves the field

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72nd minute: After playing on for a brief period, Winonah Heatley has been taken from the field amid what appears to be a minor injury concern.

She has been replaced by Daniela Galic as she receives treatment on her leg on the sidelines.

Brazil lead 3-1.

Another hometown hero joins the fray

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66th minute: Fresh off scoring for the Brisbane Roar, Tameka Yallop has joined the fray.

The Queenslander has replaced fellow veteran, Emily Van Egmond, and will need to provide plenty of spark to get the Matildas back into this.

Winonah Heatley is being assessed by medical staff, but appears to be playing on.

Brazil lead 3-1.

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Polkinghorne farewells Brisbane

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63rd minute: The Matildas most capped player in history has officially ended her time on Suncorp Stadium, substituted for Brisbane Roar star Sharn Freier.

The crowd was brought well and truly to its feet as the star defender left the field with a tear in her eye.

Brazil has made two substitutions, with Amanda Gutierres and goalkeeper Natascha all coming off.

Brazilian goalkeeper Natascha is helped from the pitch.Getty Images

Natascha was helped from the field with an injury, and has been replaced by Lorena, while Adriana has replaced her side’s chief goalscorer.

Hayley Raso earns a chance to score soon after those changes, but the shot goes wide.

Brazil lead 3-1.

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