In preparation for the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers the Matildas are set to play a handful of international friendlies against top opposition.
First up is a pair of games against South American heavyweights Brazil. After a 3-1 loss in the first of these games, it’s back to the drawing board for the Matildas.
Can the Tillies turn things around in time for Sunday’s rematch? Or will it be all Brazil once again when these two sides go head-to-head on the Gold Coast?
For the latest analysis, team news, odds and more ahead of what is sure to be an entertaining hit out, check out our Matildas vs Brazil preview below.
Matildas vs Brazil Preview
The Matildas will be far from full strength when they take on Brazil at Robina Stadium. The Tillies long list of absentees for this upcoming run of friendlies is headlined by WSL superstars Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler.
Other big names such as World Cup hero Cortnee Vine along with Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler will also be sitting this lot of games out.
When the grown-ups are away, the kids come out to play. Interim coach Tom Sermanni has named seven uncapped players in his squad, while eight others have 10 or less national team appearances to their names.
There should also be a number of changes to the starting side that lost 3-1 to Brazil on Thursday night.
One guaranteed change will be that of Clare Polkinghorne, who played her 168th and final game for the Matildas at Suncorp Stadium.
While her teammates were unable to send her out a winner, they’ll no doubt be eager to settle the score when they head to Robina Stadium on Sunday, particular after the manner Brazil carried in their outing at Lang Park
The game threatened to descend into farcical scenes as the visiting South Americans made the most of the referees relaxed disposition due to the fixture being a friendly.
They deployed all the footballing dark arts to get across the line including, being overly physical off the ball and excessive time wasting until eventually they had a player sent off.
It was obvious for all to see how frustrated the Tillies were in the face of their opposition’s antics, and we’re sure they will be hell bent on trying to vent that frustration in the form of a victory this weekend.
Matildas vs Brazil Betting Tips & Predictions
Head-to-Head (H2H)
After winning the first of the two games scheduled between these sides, it’s no surprise to see Brazil firm as the favourites in the H2H market.
The South Americans were dominant from the opening whistle and were up 2-0 inside the opening 15 minutes, with the Tillies unable to match their firepower.
It will be interesting to see how the home side approach this game, particularly in regard to their attack. However, with superstars like Kerr and Fowler sidelined, we simply can’t see the Aussie girls creating enough to get the best of Brazil here.
Betting tip: Brazil.
First Goal
After her quick fire double to open proceedings at Suncorp Stadium, we simply have to back Brazil attacker Amanda Gutierres in this market.
Caitlin Foord, as predicted, was Australia’s biggest attacking threat and did find herself on the scoresheet after finishing off a lovely team move. If the Tillies jump out of the blocks switched on, she also remains a very valid option for punters too.
Betting tip: Amanda Gutierres.
Correct Score
The way Brazil found their way in behind the Matildas backline in the opening stages of Thursday’s game to race to a two-goal lead has left us feeling worried ahead of this one.
No doubt changes will be made at the back to try and stop the bleeding, but the sheer pace of the Brazilian forwards is real cause for concern.
With lessons learnt from the first game, we expected the girls in Green and Gold to narrow the margin between the two sides, but not enough to seal a win.
Betting tip: 2-1 Brazil.
How to Watch the Matildas vs Brazil
You can watch the upcoming Matildas’ game against Brazil on Channel Ten and their subsidiaries, 10 Play and 10 Bold.
You can also stream the Matildas vs Brazil on subscription service Paramount+.
Matildas vs Brazil Time and Details
Kick-off: 6:35pm AEST.
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Location: Robina Stadium, Gold Coast.