Final Matildas lineup locked in
Matildas line up locked in. Here is how the team will take the field come kick-off.
Starting side: Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Emily Van Egmond, Winonah Heatley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso
Subs: Courtney Nevin, Tameka Yallop, Sharn Freir, Michelle Heyman, Jamilla Rankin, Emily Gielnik, Daniela Galic, Leah Davidson, Teagan Micah (GK), Charlie Grant, Chloe Belle Lincoln (GK), Natasha Prior
Retiring legend to lead the side in Brisbane swan song
Thousands have descended upon Suncorp Stadium to witness a Matildas legend farewell the turf she grew up dreaming of playing on.
Clare Polkinghorne announced her retirement from international duty at the end of the year, with the clash against Brazil doubling as her swansong in front of family and friends.
While there is still the chance the nation’s most capped player will feature in the remaining friendlies of 2024, the star defender said during the week this was a moment she was truly cherishing.
The 35-year-old will start and captain the side in front of more than 40,000 fans.
“In elite sport, it’s not often that a player or an athlete gets to go out on their own terms, and in such special circumstances,” Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said.
“If anybody deserves it, it’s ‘Polks’. We use the word legend very loosely these days, but it describes her.
“She’s been – not just within the team on the field, but off the field – when people talk about the team player, the absolute team player.”
Matildas return to the scene of history
By Nick Wright
The Matildas will play their first game in Brisbane since the unveiling of the new monument outside Suncorp Stadium, paying tribute to their historic achievements in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It was on this hallowed turf when Cortnee Vine’s penalty in an enthralling shootout booked the side a place in the semi-finals, triggering a ripple effect throughout the country and inspiring record participation numbers among the grassroots.
That clash with France was the most viewed sporting spectacle in Australian television history.
This time around, as they face off against a powerhouse Brazil in the first friendly en route to the end of 2024, the Matildas will be without key figures Sam Kerr (injury), Mary Fowler and Vine (mental health breaks).
Can they get the job done? Tune in from 8pm Brisbane (9pm in Sydney and Melbourne) time to follow all the action.
