World Cup Group A preview: Brazil v Mexico

Host nation and World Cup favourites Brazil take on Mexico in their second Group A match kicking-off at a more fan-friendly viewing time tomorrow morning, June 18, from 5am (AEST).

 

Head to head

The teams have met on a total of 38 occasions with the ledger firmly in favour of the Selecao with 22 wins. Mexico has 10 wins and there has been 6 draws. Mexico has only ever beaten Brazil once on their home soil in a friendly way back in 1968 (2-1).

The game

On paper Brazil looks the better team with attacking options littered across the park. Another shaky start against Mexico will be a worrying sign for Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as he looks to secure top spot in the group and put the nation at ease.

Mexico seemingly had a much smoother start with a comfortable win against Cameroon in very damp conditions and will be hoping to hone their effective ‘play the ball out from the back’ style.

If given too much width or space their deadly counter attacking brand could pay dividends. That being said, execution and mistake free football will be paramount if they are to avoid being on the receiving end of a punishing football master class led by Neymar Jnr and his band of merry men.

The big Issue

The issue has always been what Mexico team turns up. Their inconsistency in tournaments swings from the sublime to just plain average. If Brazil is clinical the scoreboard attendants could be in for a very busy night with the Neymar, Oscar and Fred show taking to the stage in Fortaleza. Restricting soft turnovers and taking advantage of limited chances in the attacking half will be a key if Mexico is to cause a boilover.

Already being blessed with so many wonderful football contests in less than a week, the entertainment value should prove no different. This is a must watch game if not for the fan atmosphere alone.  It is the type of match-up that if played in slow motion could somehow appear at normal speed.

For the winner will go the spoils and whoever succeeds in the battle will be assured of their place in the knockout round if the Croatia and Cameroon clash ends in a stalemate.

The game breaker

Mexican Giovanni Dos Santos was dangerous with every run against Cameroon, but his eagerness and timing will need to be measured inch perfect if he is to avoid the scrutiny of the sideline officials. 

A hamstring injury cloud continues to hover above key forward Hulk, and his mobility and speed could limit Brazil’s effectiveness in attack. It will be interesting if Scolari risks him in such an important match in favour of employing his potential arsenal as they move deeper into the round of 16. If the star is absent in favour of Ramires, then look for a very “Hulk Mad” performance when he next takes to the pitch.

Prediction: Brazil 3-1 Mexico

The Mexicans always have the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character to cause an upset and have done so as recently as the Olympic final in London two years ago when they defeated Brazil 2-1 to claim gold.

History can always be important in predicting the future but I think that Brazil, together with the goal friendly ‘Brazuca’ ball, will continue to find the netting in a measured victory over a spirited and vastly improving Mexico side.  

Link to Four Four Two:

World Cup preview: Brazil v Croatia

Host nation Brazil take on Croatia in São Paulo at the Arena de São Paulo for the Group A clash, with kick-off from 6:00am AEST.

 

The pre-World Cup hype has just about reached its crescendo as the biggest tournament on the planet gets set to kick-off under a haze of firework filled skies and a Brazilian carnival atmosphere.

Much has been written and commented on by the world’s media on whether the many World Cup venues will be completed and ready on time. Let’s hope so! The opening match between hosts Brazil and Croatia will get under way in front of a capacity São Paulo crowd all hoping to see their national team of stars get the campaign off to a winning start.

The immense pressure suffocating Brazil (a proud and successful footballing nation) has the country on a virtual stand-by status, as it holds its collective breath with each and every result posted.

Brazil goes into tomorrow morning's clash clear favorites over a Croatian team sadly lacking the class and brilliance across the park from the glory days squad of 1998.

Head-to-head

A total of two matches have been played between the countries with Brazil narrowly ahead in the ledger with one win and a draw posted. Historical records normally count for nothing but an interesting stat to please local fans is that a host nation team has never lost an opening World Cup match.

The big issue

The big issue for Croatia will be the loss of powerhouse forward Mario Manzukic.

The tall Bayern Munich star sits out the first game following a red card from their final qualifying match against Iceland. This may leave them with no obvious real attacking target upfront and force a defensive approach in avoiding a potential peppering at the back by the fast counter-attacking juggernaut of Brazil.

Brazil possess an over abundance of attacking options via Neymar, Oscar and Fred but the recent slow start against Serbia will have coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hoping the Selecao’s high intensity will materialise from the opening whistle.

The game breaker

One of the keys to the match will be if Croatian centre-back and captain Vedran Corluka can contain the flair and speed of Neymar.

Experience is certainly on his side with 72 caps for his beloved country and his linking with Luka Modric will critical if Croatia is to control possession and nullify the creativity of Brazil.

Croatian Coach Niko Kovac has been very confident in the lead up and gives his side a great chance of snatching an upset, but his devilish charm and good looks could mask a deeper fear of a massive loss that could ultimately derail their tournament before it gets started.

Prediction

Like many it would be somewhat foolish to predict against a Brazil victory with the enormous home country support on hand in São Paulo. The humid conditions will also suit the South American team as the game wears on towards the 90th minute. 

This opening game will be an enormous start to a long month of caffeine-fuelled mornings and disrupted sleep patterns but football fans alike will relish every single minute of all 64 games that lies ahead.

Four Four Two

FourFourTwo World Cup: Group A preview

Group A: Brazil, Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon

The World Cup wait is almost over with Group A containing the host nation Brazil, Mexico, Cameroon and Croatia. Expectation, talk, warm-up matches, and squad announcements will all be forgotten come Friday morning as teams take to the pitch and kick-off the biggest sporting event on the globe. It is a time when the Australian football loving public turn their sleep patterns upside down for an entire month. Many will follow the fortunes of the Socceroos, but in this uniquely multi-cultural country, seeing a sea of foreign kits and flags in the many cafes, helps warm the heart on those cold winter mornings.

Brazil

Brazil will be floating on a wave of intense home support and on paper will progress through the group stage without too much trouble. Their performance against Serbia on the weekend was far from convincing and the crowd voiced their displeasure at the half-time break. The Selecao have always had an over abundance of attacking talent and this tournament is no exception.  Coach ‘Big Phil’ Luiz Felipe Scholari has worked hard to transform his side into a football superpower once again, but it could be a case of all or nothing if he doesn’t deliver the nation’s sixth FIFA World Cup trophy. It is a team possessing a great balance of age and experience

Key players 

No question the player everyone will be watching will be Neymar Jnr. With his blistering speed and jaw-dropping footwork, Neymar’s stock price and gravity defying hairstyle will rise exponentially by the conclusion of the cup. The partnership with Oscar promises to be more thirst quenching than a cheap local Mojito and could provide some great moments for the massive television audience. His tally of goals is growing quickly with each appearance, but it is his unselfishness and willingness to assist teammates onto the score sheet that impresses many pundits.

Another player crucial to the overall success of Brazil could lie in their ageing keeper Julio Cesar. Much is said of the star studded forward line but deep into a tournament stalemate games are often decided by the harsh but drama filled penalty shoot-out and Cesar at the back could prove a big asset.

Mexico

Probably considered lucky to even be in Brazil this time around, Mexico always brings a certain unpredictability to the World Cup. It would seem unjust if they weren’t competing in their sixth consecutive tournament. Mexico has always had strength in their youth but success will depend on what team turns up on the day. They play one of the most entertaining styles in world football and their perfect record of group progression in the past six world cups ensures they will be worthy opponents. If taken lightly they will punish and, with a strong “hands- on” coaching approach of Miguel Herrara, have the potential to upset and surprise. 

Playing their first game against Cameroon will be an opportunity to build confidence after warm up games against Portugal and Bosnia-Herzegovina. They competed solidly against Portugal on the weekend despite losing 1-0 and a 3-1 friendly win over Ecuador will be at the front of their minds. Goals have been scarce of late and their attack will need to convert chances and fast if they intend going beyond the group into the knockout stage.

Key players

No surprise that Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will have plenty of eyes cast his way to see if he can deliver on reputation as Mexico’s biggest footballing product. The downside is his distinct lack of pitch time this season for Manchester United. Not registering a goal for his country since last summer, if he gets on the board early against Cameroon, look for a big tournament from the ‘Little Pea’.

Croatia

As we are all well aware, Croatia took on the new Ange Era Socceroos in a final warm up match for both teams. In what was a solid hit out, the intensity was solid without either side risking injury or playing all their cards in their deck. For Croatia the challenge doesn’t get any bigger than taking on Brazil in the opening game on Friday morning AEST. Sadly Croatia is a shadow of their former self this time around and the squad lacks the depth of previous campaigns. A weakened defensive line could ultimately cost them a place in the round of 16 and their final game against Mexico may mark their farewell.

Key players

Bayern Munich’s star striker Mario Mandzukic will provide Croatia with their biggest weapon upfront in the air but he will have to sit out the opener against Brazil due his send off against Iceland in qualifying. His combination with the classy Luka Modric will keep defences second-guessing. This could be a watershed tournament for Croatia who, like Mexico, are an unknown quantity given their track record of inconsistency in qualifying.

Cameroon

Finally Cameroon rounds out Group A. The African nation’s campaign certainly wasn’t boosted with news filtering through of the squad refusing to board a plane to South America due to an ongoing dispute over match bonuses. Thankfully a late deal was brokered and the team can rest easier knowing each player will receive a participation bonus. Not an ideal preparation, but given the squad is largely built around Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o, not too much is expected from this team which could work in motivating the side.

Key players

Samuel Eto’o is Cameroon’s stand-out weapon but given his touchy relationship with teammates, his influence could be one of brilliance or failure to fire. They are a team more often than not that beats themselves rather then relying on their opponents to do so. Toss a coin on what team turns up in Brazil.

Key Matches

Brazil v Croatia  June 13 6:00am AEST (Arena de Sao Paulo)

This opening game is critical for Brazil to blow away any perceived cobwebs, get their tournament off to winning start and send a message to other teams.

Brazil v Mexico  June 18 6:00am AEST (Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza)

Has the potential to be an entertaining game with plenty of attacking free-flowing football and goals, goals, goals.

Croatia v Mexico  June 24 6:00am AEST (Arena Pernambuco, Recife)

A game that could decide the future in the World Cup for both teams and might well be a must win for either side to progress deeper.

 FourFourTwo Group A preview Link:

World Cup 2014: Australia's 'changing of guard' in full swing with Mile Jedinak in pole position to land captaincy

Crystal Palace midfielder looks set to fill Lucas Neil’s captaincy shoes as Australia coach Ange Postecoglou puts final touches to vision

World Cup 2014: Australia's 'changing of guard' in full swing with Mile Jedinak in pole position to land captaincy

New leader? Crystal Palace's Mile Jedinak looks set to captain Australia at World Cup 

Photo: GETTY IMAGES 

It has the biggest audience of any team sport competition and only weeks remain until the football public shifts focus to living, eating and breathing the world game for an entire month. In Australia the game of football or soccer is often referred as “The Sleeping Giant” but the game’s strong and rapid growth could soon see it referenced to the 1970’s colloquially-titled General Motors advertisement “Football, Meat pies, Kangaroos and Holden Cars”.

With the final squad announcement due this week, the Socceroos side has gone about a well-documented “changing of the guard” as coach Ange Postecoglou’s future vision beyond the World Cup starts to take shape.

Some well-timed pre-emptive taps on the shoulder by Postecoglou has seen the revolving door close on Socceroos stalwarts Brett Holman and Lucas Neil’s international careers. The move wasn’t swift by the new gaffer, but with wonderful service given to the national shirt, respect was shown to two very popular Socceroos veterans. Sadly Neil has been left stranded just four games shy of recording 100 caps for his country. In typical stoic Neil fashion he has given strong assurances to play on in a vain hope of gaining selection for January’s Asian Cup tournament.

The talk this week has centred on goalkeeping incumbent Maty Ryan, who has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid of all places. Ryan’s career has gained plenty of momentum after securing a starting role with Belgium side Club Brugge this season, but the Madrid move is purely speculation. Ryan has been on the radar of many European clubs but a final decision on his future seems unlikely until after Brazil. His debut season saw him impress with 13 clean sheets from 37 matches.

The local Australian A-League competition wrapped up in style last weekend in Brisbane with the Premiers Brisbane Roar hosting the Western Sydney Wanderers in front of over 51,000 passionate fans. The Roar claimed a third Grand Final win together with two premierships and look likely to provide Ivan Franjic and Matt McKay with spots in the 30 man Socceroos squad.

Postecoglou has not been hurried in his quest to name a captaincy replacement, but it is looking likely that Crystal Palace based midfielder Mile Jedinak has the runs on the board to fill Neil’s shoes. Other notable contenders could be veteran Tim Cahill or experienced defensive midfielder Mark Milligan. Unfortunately for Jedinak he was forced from the field in Palace’s final match with a groin strain that could see him miss the final Socceroos hit out at home against South Africa on May 26.

The possible “bolters” for a ticket to Brazil include Newcastle Jets Adam Taggart after a stellar year in the A-League after winning the coveted “Golden Boot” trophy for netting 16 goals. Fortuna Dusseldorf based winger Ben Halloran is also gaining plenty of attention with a fine season in the Bundesliga 2 league with six goals and 23 games this season in Germany.

Australia’s first opponent sees them with their best or some say only chance of snatching a point in the tournament. In what will give some hope to fans Down Under, no Australian team has ever returned home from the World Cup pointless since their opening campaign back in 1974. Chile’s FIFA ranking of 15 places them well above the Socceroos on 63, but with news of injury concerns to Chile’s Arturo Vidal, could mean a welcome reprieve for the Aussies before Chile play their remaining pool matches against Spain and the Netherlands. They will still have the likes of Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez and the talented David Pizarro to cope with.

The giant battle for midfield possession and strengthening the obvious defensive frailties will be Postecoglou’s biggest challenges. He will be hoping the Socceroos's proud unbeaten record against the Dutch can continue. Although with Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben anchoring their attack the “Clockwork Orange” will again be at the peak of their powers and one of the favoured sides to progress towards the semi-finals.

The ultimate test will be saved for last when Ange’s men take on football super powers and current European and World Cup Champions Spain in Curitiba. With last year’s 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France still etched in the memories of many, fans will be hoping for nothing more than a competitive showing over an unrealistic and euphoric upset victory over "The Red Fury”.

This World Cup has garnered unprecedented interest from Australian football fans here and abroad but not for a high expectation of success. You can be certain the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema will be filled not just with the green and gold of Brazil but a healthy splattering of Socceroos jerseys and Aussie football tragics.

www.telegraph.co.uk "World Cup Nation"

 

Steve Farrell: Kitting out Brisbane Roar

There is no doubting that Brisbane Roar is a benchmark of success and the envy of clubs competing in the Hyundai A-League. Finishing atop the ladder and claiming a second “Premier’s Plate” means the Roar have other franchises desperate to channel the secret to their success. After all it is human nature which leads us into studying the best and mirroring their methods rather than making bold decisions to reinvent the coaching wheel. And Steve Farrell is the best.

Credit: Brisbane Roar

"At the Roar there appears no extraordinary player development strategy or left of center training methodology. It boils down to getting the players to perform at their best at every session and recreating the competiveness of match conditions or scenarios. Coach Mike Mulvey has made it publicly known on many occasions that if you are outside this way of thinking “You’re not a true Brisbane Roar player.”

For the uninitiated a kit-man is the individual entrusted with the often-thankless yet vital role of packing, washing, replacing and collecting a myriad of gear for a senior football team. They are employed full-time and travel to every training session and every A-League home and away fixtures. On any given day there can be 20-25 bags of player apparel dependent on the weather and conditions to be laid out, collected, packed and accounted for.

Whether true or not, a kit-man is often likened to glorified parent of a spoilt child by tending to the many unusual and superstitiously driven gear wants and needs. The job can often test the patience of the most relaxed of individuals.

Long before the players arrive to the ground in their comfortable air-conditioned coach to the airport or stadium, the kit-man has been at the airport check-in desk or the dressing room making certain a pair of socks, shin pads or jersey is ruffled or misplaced. 

Enter Steve Farrell, the Brisbane Roar “Kit-man”. Many would say Steve is a lucky fellow to secure a role that involves getting up close and personal with the Roar players and officials. For him it is all about hard work, a strong belief in a team ethos of perfection and dedication that ensured he was the best candidate.

Steve commenced his long and rewarding road to the coveted kit-man role by volunteering with the Roar soon after they clinched their second A-League title over the Perth Glory in 2012. To an outsider, a job with a professional football club seems a glamorous vocation, but at the coalface there is a huge reliance on all staff to buy into an all-important mantra of success over failure.

Club officials soon became aware of Steve’s important characteristics and tireless commitment of putting the club ahead of individual pursuits. They rewarded his hard work by offering a casual position to travel the State showcasing the A-League “Premiers Plate” and “Grand Final Championship” trophies.

“I found the experience of engaging with fans and travelling the length and breadth of the State with the trophies extremely rewarding. Watching the joy on kids faces and families making a personal connection with the trophies is something I loved and hope the club can replicate again this season. Fan engagement is something the club, team and coaching staff have worked very hard on all season. Building a strong club culture and involving fans at every opportunity is important for the continued growth of the sport in this city and the State.”

As the trip came to a disappointing end, the focus turned to completing studies in a Bachelor of Sports Management at Bond University. Steve was positive but somewhat realistic of what his possible future role at the club would be.

“I simply aimed to do the best job possible with attention to detail. I was totally gob-smacked when the club offered me the all important role of kit-man.”

 “It was a huge thrill and I immediately begun on working on how I could make the position as professional as the players, officials and the club I was representing.”

Steve wanted to bring the same level of professionalism to the position and make it his own. He set about developing systems and processes ensuring every that “i” is dotted and “t” was crossed. The focus of this kit-man was to ensure the playing group was focused on just one thing “winning”. 

“I felt I needed to tap into current technology and streamline the role.”

An iPad-Mini idea using a simple colour-coded checklist allows Steve to know at any moment in a lead up to an important match where he is placed and what still needs to be done. “

“The swipe of a tablet’s touch screen is my own unique carbon friendly way that replaces the endless need for carting around lists of paper!” 

“It never leaves my side and is my life blood and security blanket”

Preparation and organisation are two words that stand-alone when Steve talks about what makes a valuable kit-man. The more time and effort spent preparing for training sessions and home and away match days converts to a more relaxed individual on game day. I am always at the ground two hours before the players to ensure the match day gear and dressing room is set-up and spotless before they arrive. Players generally get to the game an hour and a half before kick-off and other than any last minute special requests. Steve then leaves the team to their own devices in the sanctity of the rooms to prepare individually and as a group.

“I know it’s strange to say, but a feeling in a dressing room before a game is one of those immeasurable but important indicators in gauging how relaxed or ready a team is for victory.”

“I can’t put my finger on it but I have sensed a different air of expectation within the group this year.”  “A more determined focus and self-belief in the goals they want to achieve together has been evident since pre-season started.“

 “The lift in intensity and competitiveness at training sessions all season has taught me plenty, and to play my own small part in assisting the process is the most satisfying part of my role.”

Steve is quick to point out that as important as the strict training and match day regime of football is, the time off the pitch goes along way to how a team is travelling. 

“You see a different human side to the personality of the players when they come back across that white line and they’re all great individuals away from the game.” “Despite their professional football status, players are enormously respectful of the title and are humble servants to the game that provides them a comfortable living for them and their families.”

For now Steve’s sole focus is doing what is needed behind the scenes to help the Roar team secure their third championship title. When you are watching the Brisbane Roar team go around in the Grand Final on Sunday, just spare a thought that it isn’t only the talented playing squad and coaching staff striving to get the job done. There are countless men and woman like Steve behind the scenes working or volunteering tirelessly long before and after the fans have arrived and filed out of the Stadium that go into making a football club tick.  









The Football Sack - "Grabbing the A-League by the Balls"

 
 

World Cup 2014: Time for a new Australia as Harry Kewell is the latest ageing stalwart to retire from the game

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has a number of difficult decisions to make as he looks ahead to Brazil and beyond

No fairytale finish: Harry Kewell lured a new generation of Australian fans to football  Photo: REUTERS

The era of World Cup campaigns of the past is slowly morphing to a new future for the Socceroos. The ageing stalwarts and stable choices have seen the writing on the wall or decided to call it a day as new coach Ange Postecoglou looks ahead to Brazil and beyond.

Following Mark Schwarzer back in November, it was Harry Kewell’s turn last week. The former Leeds United, Galatasaray and Melbourne Heart midfielder drew the curtain on a wonderful career that saw him gather 56 caps for his beloved Socceroos.

Kewell’s record speaks for itself. As a player, he lured a new generation of non-footballing types in following the game here and abroad. His legacy to the game in Australia was wide reaching from his early days with Socceroos team-mate Mark Viduka at Leeds United to proudly wearing the red jersey of Liverpool on 98 occasions.

The weight surrounding Kewell’s future centred on whether he could regain the form and fitness needed to represent his country for one last time in Brazil. Like in life, sporting fairytale finishes are few and far between. Despite his fine unwavering service to his country, time eventually ran out for the man they called “H”.

Captain Lucas Neill’s plight is looking more desperate by the hour with the veteran defender agreeing to a last ditch month-long loan deal with English Championship battlers Doncaster Rovers.

The Socceroos now prepare for a farewell friendly against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Sydney on May 26. Following the miraculous “game of two halves” Ecuador experiment last month, Postecoglou will be looking to settle on a final squad and will have all his fingers and toes crossed against further injury woes

An entire Australian football community sighed when learning that the injury to the most valuable hamstring of Socceroos star Tim Cahill wasn’t as bad as first feared. Cahill left the pitch early after straining the muscle against MLS side Chivas USA. Initial reports said he may miss the World Cup, but Postecoglou can now breathe a little easier knowing the prognosis will sideline the dynamic midfielder for two to three weeks.

The big question though is who will be wearing the gloves in Brazil. The long and necessarily dormant succession plan kicked in after Schwarzer’s predicted retirement from International football.

A young Maty Ryan has been the front-runner since joining Belgian Jupiler League side Club Brugge this season as their new No 1. The side have only conceded 28 goals in 29 games this season with Ryan claiming 10 clean sheets including five straight over the November to December period.

Most agree a starting keeper should be at the peak of their powers and banking plenty of regular game time. Mitch Langerak’s moment of madness against Ecuador highlighted by a defensive brain fade left the vastly inexperienced back line struggling for cohesion. His "overzealous" challenge marked a player in need of game time – something he is not getting too much for his adopted club side Borussia Dortmund.

A positive sign for Socceroos fans and the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) is Australia have claimed second place to the USA in total ticket sales for the World Cup. Aussies to date have secured 40,681 tickets across various matches over the tournament despite their almost impossible “Group of Death” draw with Spain, Holland and Chile.

With the AFC Asian Cup tournament to be hosted by Australia in January next year, organisers will be encouraged by fan numbers desperate to watch the Socceroos both in Brazil and back home down under.

And finally … The Socceroos have unveiled their new “away” strip to the world.

Launched on April 2, Nike claim: "The new dark 'obsidian blue' away jersey was inspired by the design worn by Australia when they qualified for their first-ever finals in West Germany 40 years ago.”

The shirt boasts a stylish and modern yellow johnny collar, as another reference to the iconic 1974 national team.

 

It may not dazzle like the Dutch orange or sizzle with the red of Spain, but both kits represent a valuable connection with the pioneers of the past through an innovative futuristic design.

The “obsidian blue” doesn’t quite roll off an Aussie tongue like the more favoured dinky-die “green and gold” kit but one thing is for certain/; The contingent of Aussies in Brazil will cheer loud and proud and be “True Blue” to their cause.

www.telegraph.co.uk "World Cup Nation" 

Waltzing Matildas outdanced by Brazil

An enthusiastic and vocal crowd of 2,583 turned out in force to support the Matildas on a steamy day in Brisbane. The game was high in skill and attack despite the tropical storm hitting the pitch and forcing many fans to seek shelter high in the stand midway through the first half.

 

Despite a torrid week of media speculation surrounding a fall out between the playing group and coach Hesterine De Rues, the Matildas put in a spirited performance and showed plenty of heart in the contests for possession. The big problem for the Matildas wasn’t the enthusiasm but their execution.

Playing in conditions that would rival their Asian Cup locale of Vietnam, both teams managed to control the ball well despite the greasy conditions.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) boss David Gallop was in attendance for the first of the two warm matches that are the precursor to the Matildas all important defence of their Asian Cup crown next month.

Sadly all the pre-game talk had been squarely focused on new coach Hesterine de Reus who is now subject of an internal investigation centering on player disharmony following her perceived tough coaching style.

At the post match press conference, de Reus was happy to answer questions on whether the allegations has disrupted her team’s preparation this week. The Dutch coach is very keen to see the matter resolved as soon as possible and sees it as a huge distraction as the team aims to finish strongly with the sole aim of qualifying for the next years FIFA World Cup in Canada.

“I didn’t read anything, I’m totally focused on the job I had to do here.” She said.

The players however were keen to deflect any talk of the alleged squad rift rather preferring to concentrate on what played out on the park against the classy South American side.

Temeka Butt’s tireless running proved a headache for the Brazilians and her combination with Emily Van-Egmond is one to watch closely when they come up against their tough Asian Cup Group opponents Japan.

Elise Kellond-Knight and Kate Gill also impressed after creating plenty of fine attacking runs and will take plenty of heart from matching the skill level of the sixth ranked team in Women’s World Football.

The physicality of the Matildas showed through as they outmuscled their more fancied opponents in many of the contests. There will be no doubting coach De Rues will attempt to fine-tune the set pieces and shooting drills could well be the order of the day as they look to find the net in Wednesday’s match.

Both teams had numerous opportunities in an entertaining first half until a damp pitch slowed the pace but not the enthusiasm as the teams went to the break locked at nil all.

Brazil finally gave the scoreboard attendant something to do in the 67th minute when Debora “Debinha” Oliveira took on Matildas keeper Brianna Davey in a one on one contest to score and briefly silence the large contingent of Australian fans.

The goal seemed to lift the Matildas to find the equaliser as they built more pressure in the dying minutes of the match.

Kate Gill's hot shot from a sharp Kellond-Kinght cross was blocked before Michelle Heyman then pounced on a sloppy back pass only to find her shot miss the target as the match wound down to the final whistle.

The signs are great for the women’s game in this country and the narrow loss will give the team confidence as the continue building momentum.

For now though it is all about Wednesday and for coach Hesterine De Rues a win on the field will do plenty to deflect some of the attention and headlines away from her management methods.

Matildas: Brianna DAVEY; Teigan ALLEN; Clare POLKINGHORNE (C); Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT; Emily VAN-EGMOND; Lisa DEVANNA; Tameka BUTT; Alanna KENNEDY; Steph CATLEY, Katrina GORRY; Michelle HEYMAN

Brazil: Fabiana SIMOES; Bruna BENITES; Andreia ANDRADE; Thaisa MORENA; Tamires GOMES; Debora OLIVEIRA; Miraildes MOTA; Rosana AUGUSTO; Cristiane ROZEIRA; Thais PICARTE; Andressa ALVES








The Football Sack - "Grabbing the A-League by the Balls"