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.
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.
That same speed is what limited Foord’s influence for much of the contest - whenever she looked ready to burst into open field, an aggressive covering tackle ensued.
At times, Foord was furious - seen appealing to the referee over the treatment she was receiving.
But after Brazil struck twice on the counterattack through rapid movements which spread the Matildas defence, the 30-year-old at last found a chance to get on the board in the shadows of halftime.
Clare Polkinghorne was given a touching tribute before the clash in her Brisbane farewell.Credit: Getty Images
Some brilliant work from Ellie Carpenter, working around three Brazilian defenders in the right corner to somehow orchestrate a cross, enabled Foord to get in a one-on-one situation.
She answered the challenge and slotted Australia’s first shot on target, reawakening the Brisbane crowd heading into the break.
However, after the Matildas let two golden opportunities to draw level go begging, and Foord was yellow carded along with Brazil’s Vitoria Calhau following an altercation, the South American powerhouse outfit extended their lead immediately after the stoppage.
Australia’s Alanna Kennedy was caught with the ball, with the steal leading to Giovana’s goal.
A late red card for Brazil’s Vitoria Calhau for attempting to prevent Carpenter from taking a quick free kick gave the home side a glimmer of hope they could muster a shock comeback in the 87th minute.
Marilia Furiel was one of several players to succumb to injury.Credit: Getty Images
Brisbane Roar youngster Sharn Freier had a couple of bright moments once she joined the fray, coming within a miraculous save from scoring her first international goal deep into stoppage time.
But without the star power of Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, Mary Fowler and Cortnee Vine, the Matildas just lacked the finishing touch, with several chances going wayward from mistimed passes or simply some quality cover defence, as Kyra Cooney-Cross was kept relatively quiet.
A host of injuries took place in the brutal encounter, with Brazil losing Fe Palermo, Yasmin, Natascha and Marilia Furiel throughout the contest, while Australia’s Winonah Heatley left the field and was seen receiving treatment on her leg.
With several players also succumbing to cramp at various stages, almost 20 minutes of extra time was given across the two halves as a series stoppages broke the momentum.
“It’s really tough, and obviously the game was stopping a lot. They were going down plenty of times, so for us trying to find flow and trying to find rhythm was difficult,” Matildas star Hayley Raso said post-game.
“We struggled with it tonight, but we know we have the chance to bounce back the next game, and we’ll be up for that one.”
Australia will get their shot at redemption on Sunday night when the two sides face-off again on the Gold Coast.
Polkinghorne confirmed after the game this would not be her finally outing, making herself available for the remaining three friendlies the Matildas will play before the end of 2024.
Caitlin Foord starred for Australia in a losing cause.Credit: Getty Images
But the veteran - who was seen in tears before kick-off as a video tribute to her career played on the big screen, spoke glowingly of the team’s future once they find a long-term coaching successor, with Tom Sermanni currently in on an interim basis, while revelling the chance to celebrate her career on her home turf.
“Obviously, we’re in a little bit of a transition with a new coach in waiting, and I think from there it’s just about building a foundation to build on what we’ve already got,” Polkinghorne said.
“There are so many world-class players, and we just need to try and get the best out of every player.
“My family have been the biggest support for me, and I wouldn’t be here without them. To be here tonight and share it with them, and celebrate their commitment and dedication to this team and my career is something really special.”
