Australia made history in their round of 16 victory over Brazil, becoming their nation’s first ever men’s or women’s side to win a World Cup knockout game.
Substitute Kyah Simon scored the only goal of the game with just ten minutes remaining to send the Aussies into the quarter final, and send Brazil heading home in their earliest ever World Cup exit.
The South Americans started the game well but key player Marta looked out of sorts and the Matildas often threatened on the break.
As both sides enjoyed their fair share of possession, clear cut goal scoring opportunities were lacking. That was until 37-year-old Formiga struck a fierce effort mid-way through the half that looked to be swerving in to the top corner if not for a magnificent fingertip save from Lydia Williams in the Australian goal.
Brazil’s number one Luciana, on the other hand, looked to be having a nervy game, after not being tested much in the group stages combined with some heavy rain and incredibly slippery conditions, she seemed to struggle with commanding her box and Australia created numerous chances from corners and set pieces.
Most notably when Samantha Kerr hit a stinging volley at the back post from a corner kick but unfortunately for the 21-year-old the angle was too tight and her effort just hit the side netting.
In the second half it was more of the same, as this cagey end-to-end affair looked to be heading to extra-time and potentially even penalties.
Brazil’s best chance of the half fell again to Formiga, who was making her 137th appearance for her country. After a rare Marta effort was turned round the post by Williams, Formiga met the resulting corner with a powerful header but could only stand and watch as her effort came crashing off the woodwork and away to safety.
But as the clock ticked down Australia defied all odds to grab a late winner and produce another surprise of the tournament.
A defence-splitting pass saw De Vanna through on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat, but the Aussie captain couldn’t add to her tournament tally as Luciana made herself big and did well to save her effort. But, unfortunately for the Brazilian keeper, the rebound fell straight in the path of Simon who did add to her two goals so far in the competition, sending the Matildas through to the quarter finals.
Australia will now face either World Cup holders Japan or the Netherlands in Edmonton on Saturday.
