WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Amanda Gutierres and Giovana Queiroz scored the Seleção’s goals, while Foord scored for the rivals
The Brazilian women’s football team made the most of coach Arthur Elias’s bets, this Thursday morning (28), and defeated Australia 3-1, on the punishing pitch of Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane. In a friendly marked by hostile weather and harsh play, Brazil ended an eight-year streak without beating the Australian team. Amanda Gutierres was the big name of the game, with two goals.
The score reflected the efficiency of the young Brazilian attack, lined up with Aline Gomes, Amanda Gutierres and Marília (who left the pitch in the first half due to injury). The coach has been betting on renewing the selection, similar to what he does in the offensive sector. Aline is just 19 years old, Amanda, 23, and Giovana, Marília’s replacement and scorer of the third goal, is 21.
A big star for the national team in recent decades, Marta was not called up for the national team’s last two games of the season, at the coach’s option. But it could reappear on the lists throughout 2025, when the team’s main objective will be the Copa América, between July and August.
The first half at Suncorp Stadium was practically all Brazilian, especially in the opening minutes. Right at 5, Amanda Gutierres received a throw from the left, entered the area and hit goalkeeper Arnold. Seven minutes later, a new launch resulted in a beautiful play by Duda Sampaio, who gave a trivela pass for Aline to serve Amanda Gutierres: 2 to 0.
With the advantage on the scoreboard open, Brazil reduced the pace and saw Australia grow on the field. As the hosts balanced the duel, the harsher plays also increased and the friendly took on the air of a classic in an official tournament. In two minutes of the opening stage, players from both teams exchanged harsh words in heated discussions.
Before the end of the first half, Australia scored. At 42, amidst a collective failure by the Brazilian defense, the Australian attack created a beautiful plot on the right. Carpenter contained two markers, crossed low and saw Van Egmond make a quick pass, leaving the ball to Foord, who swung over Vitória Calhau and hit the corner.
From then on, Brazil had no difficulty maintaining the advantage on the scoreboard and still threatening the Australian goal. In the final stretch, defender Vitória Calhau was sent off in the 40th minute, after receiving a second yellow card. The referee still surprised by granting an incredible and unnecessary 14 minutes of extra time in the second half.
The two teams will face each other again on Sunday, the 1st, at 5:45 am, Brasília time, this time at the CBUS Stadium, in Gold Coast, Australia.
