2. Australia wins in the knockout rounds for the first time as Kyah Simon’s late winner sinks Brazil

On a rainy day in Moncton, Canada, the Matildas faced off against Brazil in the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup. The Brazilians were the more fancied team, with their stars Marta and Christiane in full flight.

The Matildas disciplined play in the first half caused frustration in the Brazilians and they resorted to long shots easily dealt with by keeper Lydia Williams.  

The game (and the heavens) opened up in the second half with The Matildas best chances coming on the fast break – the speed of Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Foord causing problems.  

In the 80th minute, De Vanna found herself one on one with the Brazilian goalkeeper after a long run down the right. Her shot to the bottom left corner was parried into the path of on-rushing Kyah Simon, who calmly volleyed home into the right side netting.

Simon had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes when her composure and impeccable timing put the Matildas in front.

The result was the first time an Australian national team (men or women) had won a knockout stage game in the World Cup and continued a great rivalry with Brazil which continues today.