Since the 2015 World Cup, Brazil has only beaten Australia once. In the last six years, it has been a nearly annual tradition for the two teams to face off in often high-scoring, physically intense contests.
Brazil is a proud football nation with some of the world’s best talents so this is a track record they will be eager to change.
The Canarinhas are in the beginning stages of a team regeneration but are in winning form. Their last loss came during the Tokyo Olympics in a penalty shootout to eventual Gold Medal winners Canada.
Their last two matches were against local rivals Argentina where they recorded 3-1 and 4-1 wins in September.
Brazil remains a free-scoring team that will be confident against a recently shaky Australian defense. It is a friendly match but both teams will be eager to make a statement. Expect an action-packed encounter at Commbank stadium.
Key Players:
Marta (Orlando Pride, USA)
Marta is approaching the twilight of her spectacular career but her powers are not diminishing.
She is quite simply, one of the very best footballers of all time. Marta has a magnetic touch, is not afraid of a physical challenge, and is an almost artistic finisher.
Marta currently has 113 international goals and is in form for Brazil. She scored three times during the Olympic group stages and added to her tally against Argentina last month.
Her double against China in Tokyo resulted in comparisons to Pele, by no less than the man himself who described her as an “inspiration.”
As a creator, scorer, and entertainer, Marta is almost without peer. Against The Matildas, she is engaged in an ongoing battle with Ellie Carpenter and both players will be excited about a rematch.
Australian fans in attendance will be in the presence of a legend, perhaps for the last time.
Debhina
Able to play as a forward or winger, Debinha is enjoying her peak years. For North Carolina in 2021, she has three goals and two assists but it is her unpredictable and tricky style that will trouble Australia.
Debinha is the prototypical Brazilian footballer and boasts a mix of style and end product. She loves a nutmeg or back heel, can score from a free kick, and is mobile across the park.
She will drift deep, wide, and to either flank to impact the match, making her a dangerous double act with Marta.
Brazil will be missing rising Benfica star Nycole Raysla due to injury. Debinha will need to step up in her absence. She has the talent and the experience so change games in an instant.
Angelina
One of the relative newcomers to the squad, Angelina has big boots to fill as one of the options to replace legend Formiga.
The 21-year-old is a midfielder who prefers starting play from her own half. She has quick feet, good vision, and has a passing range to match.
A typical Angelina highlight usually includes her receiving or intercepting the ball deep, sprinting or dribbling into space then delivering a long pass to open up the defense.
Knowing what she is going to do and preventing it are two very different things and The Matildas will have to be on high alert when she is near the ball.
She will be up against an Australian midfield still looking to find their best combination of players and chemistry. In the absence of experienced players like Elise Kellond-Knight, Chloe Logarzo, and Emily van Egmond lacking match fitness, Angelina could be a decisive player in these matches.
Possible lineup (4-3-3):
Leticia (GK), Antonia, Erika, Katrina, Tamires, Debhina, Duda, Angelina, Andressa Alves, Marta, Ludmilla.
The Matildas first take on Brazil on October the 23rd at CommBank Stadium, Sydney at 7:50pm AEST
