Kennedy's Australia edged out by Brazil | OneFootball

City’s Alanna Kennedy featured as Australia went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil in a friendly international played on the Gold Coast.

The Joie Stadium central defender featured for the full 90 minutes in a high quality clash that saw the Matildas edged out by the South American powerhouses for the second time in three days.

Gabi Porthilo struck to give Brazil a 29th minute lead. A rapid move from Brazil caught Australia short as Duda swung a pass across the pitch to find a wide-open Adrianna.

A first-time ball was played in behind for Portilho, who advanced into the area and smashed the ball into the top corner of the net.

And the visitors then doubled their advantage five minutes before the break thanks to Lauren.

Gutierres floated in a perfectly weighted ball to the back post which was met by Lauren, who bundled the ball over the line to register her first international goal.

Australia sought to quickly hit back and former City midfielder Hayley Raso was on target three minutes before half-time to halve the deficit.

Caitlin Foord seized upon a ball played down the right by Tameka Yallop before placing a perfectly weighted pass to Raso at the back post, with the Tottenham attacker forcing the ball home.

But though the hosts upped the pressure after the break in an effort to gain parity, a physical Brazil held firm to clinch victory and a second successive friendly victory following a 3-1 success last Thursday.

Australia next head to Victoria where they will play two friendlies against Taiwan.