The Matildas are travelling around 1,000km south from Valenciennes to Montpellier in search of their first points of FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™.
The opponents for Sam Kerr and company on Friday 14 June, 2am AEST, are a familiar foe: seven-time Copa América Femenina champions, Brazil.
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The two nations have met 18 times since 1988, with the South Americans taking eight wins to Australia's nine. And in recent clashes, it is the Matildas who have waltzed out on top.
Kerr and six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta, have gone head-to-head four times in the past two years, with the Matildas clinching victory on each of the last four occasions.
- Australia 6-1 Brazil, 2017 Tournament of Nations, 3 August 2017, Los Angeles (US)
- Australia 2-1 Brazil, Friendly, 16 September 2017, Sydney
- Australia 3-2 Brazil, Friendly, 19 September 2017, Newcastle
- Brazil 1-3 Australia, 2018 Tournament of Nations, 26 July 2018, Kansas City (US)
The two sides also met at the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015™, with the Matildas running out 1-0 winners in the quarter-final clash due to Kyah Simon's 80th-minute strike.
How to watch Matildas v Brazil
Contrasting fortunes
While Ante Milicic's side slipped to a 2-1 opening game defeat against Italy, Brazil started Group C in ideal fashion with a 3-0 triumph over Jamaica - breaking a trio of FIFA World Cup™ records along the way.
The Seleção arrived in France having lost their last eight fixtures and head coach Vadão may still be sweating on the fitness of all-time record goalscorer Marta, but they have an able deputy in Cristiane.
The 34-year-old already leads the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ Golden Boot charts following her treble against the Reggae Girlz and has 93 international goals to her name.
Despite the abundance of talent at their disposal over the careers of Marta, Cristiane and 41-year-old midfield general Formica — who is appearing in an unprecedented seventh FIFA World Cup™ — the best finish Brazil have managed in the global women's football showpiece is second place.
The Canarinhas were beaten in the 2007 final by Germany, 2-0, in Shanghai, China, and a third-place finish in 1999 was the only other time Brazil have made the semi-finals.
Although Formica is proving age is merely a number, there will be few remaining opportunities for Brazil's golden generation to fulfil their destiny of lifting a FIFA Women's World Cup™.
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What they said
“It’s obviously disappointing to lose but we have still got two games and we are definitely not out.
“I think we dominated the first half and kept possession really well but we just didn’t take our chances.
“I don’t think we created enough chances but, look, it’s the first game. Get the jitters out, we’ll focus on Brazil.”
Form
Australia’s last five matches: LLLWW
Brazil’s last five matches: WLLLL
World rankings
Matildas: 6
Brazil: 10
How to watch
Tune in to SBS to cheer on the Matildas on free-to-air TV, with kick-off at 2.00am AEST on Friday morning, June 14.
You can also watch on Optus Sport, with the broadcaster showing all 52 games of the tournament live.
You can follow all the build-up and live updates at Matildas.com.au, or on the Matildas’ Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.
World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches
Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)
Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)
Australians are encouraged to #GetOnside and show their support for the bid at AusBid2023.com.
