A stunning strike from Lisa De Vanna has inspired the Westfield Matildas to an impressive 2-1 win over Brazil at a sold-out Penrith Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Australia’s all-time leading goal-scorer fired the Matildas ahead with a cracking volley at the end of the first half before Sam Kerr doubled the advantage midway through the second stanza.

Substitute Debinha scored with just over 10 minutes remaining to set up a nervy finish but the Matildas held on for a deserved victory.

STORY OF THE GAME

*Brazil started brightly but Australia should have scored inside ten minutes with Caitlin Foord heading wide from point blank range following a miscued shot from Sam Kerr.

*In a physical encounter, both teams were guilty of giving away needless free kicks in the first half with the referee handing out three yellow cards.

*Australia looked the more likely to score in the first period and their pressure eventually told with De Vanna firing the hosts ahead with a spectacular strike just before the break.

*Caitlin Foord missed a great chance to double the Matildas’ lead just after the break with the keeper denying her from close range.

*Sam Kerr showed her class with a wonderful header to fire the Matildas 2-0 ahead with just over 20 minutes to go.

*Brazil hit the post twice in the second half with Andressinha and Cristiane both striking the woodwork.

*Substitute Debinha scored with 10 minutes remaining to give Brazil hope but Australia held firm to secure their second straight win over the Samba Stars.

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GOALS

1-0 Australia, Lisa De Vanna, 41’

What a strike! The ball fell to her just outside the area and the veteran attacker lashed an incredible first-time volley which flew past the Brazilian keeper into the back of the net.

2-0 Australia, Sam Kerr, 67’

Alanna Kennedy whipped in a neat ball into the area with Kerr reacting quickest before knocking a well-controlled header into the back of the net.

2-1 Brazil, Debinha, 79’

Cristiane played a delightful ball in behind the Australian defence for Debinha who showed great composure before slotting past the onrushing Lydia Williams.