Champions! Australia wins Tournament of Nations

Another dazzling display from the Westfield Matildas has seen them take out the inaugural Tournament of Champions following a 6-1 demolition of Brazil in California on Friday morning (AEST).

Despite going behind early, Australia’s speed, movement and technical quality shone through as they tore the South American heavyweights apart.

After earlier wins over USA and Japan, the emphatic victory made it a perfect three-from-three at the tournament for Alen Stajcic’s side to claim the title, their first piece of silverware since their 2010 AFC Asian Cup triumph.

Australia’s dominant display not only means they inflicted Brazil’s heaviest defeat since a 6-0 loss to the USA in 1999 but also exacts some revenge for the defeat to them at last year’s Rio Olympic Games.

The win will also give the Westfield Matildas a huge psychological advantage heading into their two-game home series against Brazil next month.

STORY OF THE GAME

►Despite conceding early, the Westfield Matildas were clearly the dominant team creating a stack of chances to go with their four first half goals.

►De Vanna’s first-half brace saw her become the Westfield Matildas’ all-time leading scorer with 42 goals, moving past Kate Gill.

►Kerr was again sensational for Australia, scoring once while playing a major part in all four goals in the opening half.

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GOALS

Brazil, Camila 2’, 0-1

Brazil won a free-kick on the right and they worked it cleverly, playing a square pass to the unmarked Camila whose first-time strike went through a forest of legs and past Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia, Lisa De Vanna 7’, 1-1

From a free-kick, Westfield Matildas star Sam Kerr was pulled down in the box by a defender for a penalty. While De Vanna’s initial attempt was saved, De Vanna made no mistake with the rebound.

Australia, Caitlin Foord 32’, 2-1

Emily van Egmond’s exquisite ball over the top of the defence got Kerr in behind the defence and she surged into the box before unselfishly passing to Foord who slotted into an open goal.

Australia, Lisa De Vanna 34’, 3-1

Almost a carbon copy of the second goal as Kerr again sprung the offside trap to bear down on goal, this time squaring it to De Vanna for a simple tap in.

Australia, Katrina Gorry 41’, 4-1

Ellie Carpenter found Gorry on the edge of the box, with the playmaker gliding past two defenders before firing a clinical shot across the keeper and in off the far post.

Australia, Caitlin Foord 68’, 5-1

Tameka Butt’s defence-splitting through-ball sent Foord clear, with the speedy attacker rounding the keeper and completing a simple finish.

Australia, Sam Kerr 81’, 6-1

Kerr controlled Butt’s cross superbly on her chest, muscling past a couple of defenders before firing it in with her left foot.