Westfield Matildas v Brazil: a history of big clashes

As coach Alen Stajcic said this week, the Westfield Matildas are building up a healthy rivalry with Brazil.

It's one that has built up over many years, reaching fever pitch in recent years due to some memorable clashes in some major tournaments.

Ahead of two blockbuster friendlies in Penrith and Newcastle over the next few days, we look back at some of the huge battles between the Westfield Matildas and the South American giants.

MATILDAS HIT BRAZIL FOR SIX

Needing only a draw to secure the Tournament of Nations title, the Westfield Matildas fell behind inside two minutes.

But there was no reason to panic.

A first-half masterclass from Alen Stajcic's side saw the green and gold take a 4-1 lead to the break with Lisa De Vanna becoming the Westfield Matildas all-time leading scorer in the process via a brace.

Matildas players celebrate a goal in their 6-1 win over Brazil at the Tournament of Nations.

Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr added more misery for Brazil after the break to cap a dominant 6-1 win for Australia and the perfect way to lift the ToN silverware.

It was perfect payback for what happened the previous year...

AUSTRALIA’S HEARTBREAK AT RIO 2016

The Matildas were on the brink of an Olympic semi final against Sweden. But in an excruciating penalty shootout in front of over 50,000 fans, the hosts edged the Australians following an intense 0-0 after extra time in Belo Horizonte.

Plenty of Aussie and neutral fans were furious with Brazilian keeper Barbara who continually moved off her line without any action being taken. Australia eventually lost 7-6 in an agonizing way to end their campaign at the Rio Games.

It was revenge of sorts for Brazil after their own heartbreak a year earlier...

Katrina Gorry v Brazil at Olympics

WESTFIELD MATILDAS HISTORIC TRIUMPH AT WORLD CUP 2015

How sweet this was.

One of the greatest moments in Australian football history occurred on June 21, 2015 at the World Cup in Canada with Australia knocking out Brazil 1-0 to set up a quarter final date with Japan.

No Aussie side had gone this far at a senior World Cup – and in Moncton it was our superstar striker Kyah Simon with the all-important winner 10 minutes from time.

The world finally saw what we knew – this Aussie group is special.

Kyah Simon fired home a late goal which proved to be the winner when the Matildas beat Brazil at the World Cup in Canada.

SIMON SINKS BRAZIL AT THE 2008 PEACE CUP

Sixteen-year-old Kyah Simon scored a memorable injury-time goal to earn the Matildas a sensational 1-0 win over World Cup finalist Brazil at the Peace Cup in Korea Republic.

Revenge in part for 2007...

Kyah Simon 2008

BRAZIL END AUSSIE RUN AT 2007 WORLD CUP

The year 2007 was a breakthrough for the Westfield Matildas.

Their run at that year’s World Cup in China was utterly mesmerising – mirroring the Socceroos at their World Cup a year earlier.

Suddenly, the nation was talking women’s football and the Matildas. Sally Shipard – the midfielder who was to go on and play in Germany – Melissa “Bubs” Barbieri in goals, pacy pint-sized striker Sarah Walsh and Cheryl Salisbury, the captain, leader and inspiration, took Australia on an unforgettable ride.

The emotion of it all was summed up after Brazil ended their campaign in Tianjin in the knockout stage, the green and gold women finally succumbing 3-2 after an almighty battle.

Australia did magnificently to come from two goals down to draw level with 20 minutes remaining, but Christiane's goal in the 75th minute proved to be the winner.

Matildas v Brazil 2007 World Cup