Not even Marta making history could stop Brazil crumbling to defeat in an astonishing Women’s World Cup match against Australia.
Having fallen 2-0 behind in the first half, Australia’s hopes of progressing from Group C appeared to be in tatters, but a brilliant fightback secured a 3-2 win to keep alive the Matildas’ chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Ante Milicic — who became Australia’s coach in January after Alen Stajcic’s surprise sacking — told reporters that the win was “one of the finest Australian performances I’ve seen.”
The Matildas fought back against a side that had last lost a group stage match in 1995, ending a run of three consecutive defeats in the process.
“I’m really really proud for the girls because it hasn’t been easy for them,” added Milicic, taking charge of only his seventh game.
“They deserve all the rewards that they were given. The circumstances that we won the game and the three points will be a massive confidence booster for them so I’m really delighted for them. They never stopped believing, the coaching staff never stopped believing.
