Simon the history-maker as Matildas progress - FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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Kyah Simon finally broke Brazil's steadfast defence in Canada to see Australia to a 1-0 win over the South Americans, a first ever knockout game victory for the country at any senior FIFA World Cup™. Simon's goal was the first Brazil had conceded in almost four hours of football at Canada 2015, and despite Formiga hitting the post, both sides were restricted to few chances in a tense match in Moncton.
Australia had the opening opportunity of a subdued first half. Emily van Egmond's corner kick from the Australian left cleared everybody in the penalty area and found its way to Samantha Kerr, lurking at the back post. Her snap volley had the net rippling, but the ball had flown just wide of Luciana's left-hand post and into the side-netting.
Formiga had Brazil's best chance of the opening half, collecting the ball outside the Matildas' penalty area after some slack control in the Australian defence. The Brazilian No20 thumped a vicious curling effort from distance which Lydia Williams did well to tip over the bar.
On the hour mark the game burst into life. Marta worked her way down the Brazilian left and hit a rasping drive towards goal, which Williams did well to turn behind. After a first corner was cleared, Formiga rose highest to meet the second, and her header bounced back off Williams' near post.
The Matildas broke straight up the other end, with Lisa De Vanna teeing up Van Egmond, but her strike was deflected behind.
De Vanna was to play a crucial role in the Matildas finally breaking the deadlock, with just ten minutes remaining. A wonderful piece of play by substitute Katrina Gorry saw her win possession before setting the Australian skipper free with a defence-splitting pass. De Vanna's shot was parried by Luciana into the path of another substitute Simon, who coolly slotted home the historic goal.
Live Your Goals Player of the Match: Elise Kellond-Knight (Australia)