However,those protests were a moot point after the restart. Playing the style of football that Brazil is usually synonymous with,the Matildas scored one of the most stunning goals in the side’s recent history.

Playing out from their defence,they passed their way through Brazil’s aggressive press to switch play from flank to flank. Quick,precise through balls then split Brazil’s midfield before Ellie Carpenter’s final ball to Kerr gave Australia’s talisman an eye on goal. Kerr made no mistake,rattling the back of the net with an emphatic finish to make it 2-0.

“That’s exactly what we’ve been working on,straight from the training ground,” Gustavsson said. “That type of combination is something we have been working on a lot and the players need to be more confident in the final third.”

Just as the Matildas looked to be cruising,Brazil struck back. Defender Erika pulled the visitors back into the contest with a powerful header from a corner,evading markers Foord,Kyah Simon and Alanna Kennedy to score after the hour.

Ten minutes later,Brazil drew level. Matildas’ goalkeeper Williams had to react quickly to block Tamires’ wayward cross from flying into the top corner but could do little to control the rebound. Debinha reacted quickly to prod the ball into the net to make it 2-2 and send the 3000 Brazilian fans into raptures.

The fiesta they had created in the south stands would have descended into a carnival had the Selecao converted a flurry of late chances,but Australia dug deep enough to hold on for a draw.

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