Thursday 13 June 2019, 18:24

Matildas, China bounce back as Marta makes history

  • Australia come from two down to beat Brazil

  • China PR edge South Africa in Paris

  • Reaction and more: #AUSBRA and #RSACHN Live Blogs

Australia produced one of the great FIFA Women's World Cup™ comebacks to stun Brazil and revive their France 2019 hopes. In a game crammed full of stats and milestone achievements, the Matildas became just the second team at this competition to win having been two goals down - after Marta established herself as the first player to score in five separate editions.

China PR, meanwhile, boosted their prospects by edging South Africa in Paris - a result that also confirmed France and Germany's places in the Round of 16.

Australia 3-2 Brazil, Group C, Montpellier, 18:00

Team reporter analysis

Pete Smith (AUS) Under pressure going into the match, Australia made the worst possible start and looked rattled after conceding the opener. Recent big wins over Brazil suddenly seemed a distant memory and, with Sam Kerr starved of possession, the Matildas created far fewer first-half chances than they had against Italy. But the team's never-say-die reputation was reinforced with a remarkable three-goal, 20-minute spell that sealed the comeback - and revives their campaign.​

Giancarlo Giampietro (BRA) ​What a match! This thriller only adds to the rivalry that has blossomed between these sides. Brazil held firm for a while in defence, but the Australia pressure ultimately proved too heavy to resist. The challenge now is to quickly move past such a demoralising defeat. Besides that, what more can we say about Marta and Cristiane? The veteran duo showed up once again for their team, and will feel especially unfortunate to have ended up on the losing side.

South Africa 0-1 China PR, Group B, Paris, 21:00

Team reporter analysis

Busisiwe Mokwena (RSA) Banyana Banyana gave a more composed performance in this match, making fewer mistakes than in their opening outing. However, they continued the trend of defending deep in their own half - even if that helped them frustrate China for large spells. ​Banyana should also be commended for finding better connections going forward, although they will be frustrated to have come away without a goal - or any points - to show for their efforts.

Qian Sun (CHN) China had spoken before this match of their strong desire to score, and it showed on the field. They were aggressive in attack and also quick to respond to any danger in defence. China also created many chances to score and, ultimately, one goal was enough. The narrowness of their lead also seemed to focus their minds, as they defended well in the second half. The coach was even able to use his substitutions to try out different combinations in attack, perhaps with half an eye on the all-important Spain match.

Next up

14 June

Japan-Scotland: Group D, Rennes, 15:00 Jamaica-Italy: Group C, Reims, 18:00 England-Argentina: Group D, Le Havre, 21:00

Follow the FIFA Women’s World Cup™

On Twitter | Facebook | Instagram