Matildas Bid Farewell to Legend Clare Polkinghorne in Emotional Australia vs Brazil Friendly

The Australian women’s national soccer team, the Matildas, faced off against Brazil in a highly anticipated friendly match on Thursday, November 28, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This game marked a significant occasion as it was the farewell match for veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne, who is the most capped Matilda in history with 167 national team appearances.

Polkinghorne, who has been a cornerstone of the Matildas for 18 years, started the match and was set to be substituted at some point to ensure a proper farewell from the crowd. Despite not being in the team’s best 11 anymore, Polkinghorne’s commitment to the team was evident as she emphasized that the team’s success was her top priority.

The match was part of a four-match international window for the Matildas, which includes two friendlies against Brazil and two exhibition games against Chinese Taipei. The team was without several key players, including Sam Kerr, Katrina Gorry, Mary Fowler, and Cortnee Vine, due to injuries and other reasons. Michelle Heyman was also hampered by an ankle issue but was included in the squad with caution.

The game was broadcast live on Channel 10, 10 Bold, 10Play, and Paramount+, allowing fans across Australia to witness this historic moment. The match saw a sellout crowd of over 40,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium, continuing the Matildas’ streak of sold-out home games.

Historically, the Matildas have a slight edge over Brazil, with 8 victories out of their 14 encounters, while Brazil has 5 wins and one draw. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw in October 2021, indicating a closely contested rivalry.

The friendly match was not just a celebration of Polkinghorne’s career but also a crucial preparation for both teams as they gear up for more competitive fixtures ahead. The game was expected to be intense, with both teams looking to exhibit their skills and strategies.