WATCH | CommBank Matildas defeated 2-1 by Brazil in front of sold ...

The CommBank Matildas fell to a 2-1 defeat to world No.8 Brazil in front of a sold-out Gold Coast crowd in another fiery encounter.

There were four changes from the team who took on the same opponent on Thursday. In the outfield, Michelle Heyman and Tameka Yallop came into the team as Interim Head Coach Tom Sermanni shuffled the deck.

In goals, Teagan Micah made her first start for the national team in nearly 12 months as she replaced Mackenzie Arnold between the sticks.

Courtney Nevin was a late inclusion in the side at left-back. She replaced Steph Catley, who was ruled out of the fixture due to lower leg tightness felt during the warm-up.

The game was a significant one for Emily van Egmond, who took the captain’s armband lining up in midfield. She was honoured as the game marked her 151st appearance, equalling Cheryl Salisbury in second on the all-time appearance list.

\Emily van Egmond of Australia leads her team out onto the field prior to the International Friendly match between the CommBank Matildas and Brazil at Cbus Super Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The game started at the same frenetic pace as Thursday. Micah was forced into the action in the first few minutes, making a fantastic save to deny Amanda Gutierres, and following it up by parrying a shot away at the near post ten minutes later.

Brazil picked up two early yellow cards to set the tone for the remainder of the match.

The home side were looking dangerous on the attack early in the half as well. Nevin put in a teasing ball in the 18th minute that just evaded the runs of the attacking players, while Yallop and Ellie Carpenter both had shots saved minutes later.

However, it was Brazil who struck first. The visitors drove down the right-hand side in transition, catching Australia’s defence out. Gabi Portilho made no mistake with a firmly struck finish.

They doubled their lead in the 40th minute when Lauren scored at the back post after a set piece. It was her first international goal.

Australia got a goal back before half-time. Caitlin Foord made a great run down the wing, and her pinpoint ball found the run of Hayley Raso at the back post. The Gold Coast local got there to tap it past Brazil’s keeper and score her 20th international goal in front of her home fans.

Half-time saw a double change by Sermanni. Sharn Freier came on to replace Foord, while Natasha Prior became CommBank Matilda #231 when she came on for Clare Hunt.

The 60th minute brought more changes, with Charli Grant, Daniela Galic and Emily Gielnik replacing Courtney Nevin, Emily van Egmond and Michelle Heyman.

Fans immediately got a reminder of Gielnik’s ability when her first touch of the game – her first appearance for Australia since 2022 – led to a corner.

Emily Gielnik of Australia battles for possession with Isa Haas of Brazil during the International Friendly match between the CommBank Matildas and Brazil at Cbus Super Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Australia pushed for an equaliser throughout the second half, and created the vast majority of chances as the game wore on. Sharn Freier was busy, as was 18-year-old Daniela Galic, who produced the most influential performance in her young international career.

A foul won by Galic right on the edge of the penalty area led to one of the clearest of those opportunities, with Alanna Kennedy’s free kick being tipped over the crossbar.

However, Brazil held on to win the second game of the series.

Attention now turns to two fixtures against Chinese Taipei in Victoria next week.

CommBank Matildas v Chinese TaipeiDate: Wednesday, 4 December 2024Kick-off: 8.00pm AEDTVenue: AAMI Park, MelbourneBroadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets

CommBank Matildas v Chinese TaipeiDate: Saturday, 7 December 2024Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDTVenue: GMHBA Stadium, GeelongBroadcast: 10, 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+Tickets: matildas.com.au/tickets