De Vanna flying high ahead of Brazil clash

She’s racked up the air miles in the last 14 days but Australian superstar Lisa de Vanna aims to ground the “dirty” Samba Queens when the teams meet in Brisbane.

She-s racked up the air miles in the last 14 days but Australian superstar Lisa de Vanna aims to ground the “dirty” Samba Queens when the teams meet in Brisbane on Sunday.

The 29-year-old arrived back in Australia on Tuesday after a whirlwind week with her new American club Boston Breakers.

And while the striker still getting over the jetlag from such a long round-trip in such a short space of time, the lightning quick Westfield Matilda was in typically bullish mood.

The recent Westfield W-League grand final winner with Melbourne Victory stirred the pot on Friday describing the Brazilians as “dirty”.

“Typically, Brazil has a style of football that-s full of confidence and individually they all have something about them,” she told www.footballaustralia.com.au

“So it-s going to be a real test for us individually and as a team.

“In the past I-ve played Brazil and they are the most physical team I-ve come across.

“A little bit dirty at times behind play,” she said.

“They are a dirty team I suppose. So it-ll be interesting to see some of our girls who haven-t played a physical team and how they cope.”

Brazil are currently ranked 6 in the FIFA Women-s World Rankings and the Westfield Matildas are in 11th spot.

De Vanna added that in the past the Westfield Matildas had players who could cope with the physical contest, but the 2014 version of the national team was more technically gifted.

“In the past you could always rely on a Thea Slatyer to put in a hard tackle but these days we-re more about possession and playing.”

De Vanna is tipped to start Sunday-s game from the bench thereby allowing her pace to have the maximum impact later in the game.

It-s a role she-s accustomed to and given the effects of travel on her body, a wise move.

“I am a bit jet-lagged and the back-s a tight but other than that I feel fine,” she added.

As for Brazil, the squad arrived on Thursday morning minus superstar Marta who didn-t make the journey due to a thigh injury.

But Queensland fans should not be concerned about a weakened side. Rosana, Cristiane and the brilliant veteran Formiga are all in the squad and expected to play on Sunday.

The friendly y forms part of Australia-s preparations to defend their Asian Cup title next month In Vietnam the green and gold will face the reigning world champions Japan in the group stage along with Vietnam and Jordan.

On Sunday Co-captain Kate Gill has the opportunity to equal Cheryl Salisbury-s record for the most number of A-international goals by a Matilda which stands at 38 goals, while Rhali Dobson, Casey Dumont and Amy Harrison are all in line to make their senior international debuts.

There will also be a distinct orange tinge to the Westfield Matildas with eight Brisbane Roar players included in the squad (Laura Alleway, Tameka Butt, Kim Carroll, Katrina-Lee Gorry, Elise Kellond-Knight, Clare Polkinghorne, Vedrana Popovic and Hayley Raso).

Meanwhile de Vanna-s message to the Brisbane fans was a simple one.

“Seeing Brazil play on Sunday is like watching the Brazil men-s side, the way they play. And a chance to see the Matildas in what is a kind of farewell match for us will be special.

“The more support we get, the better,” she said.

The Matildas will face Brazil in two internationals in Brisbane this month as part of their Asian Cup defence preparation. The match this Sunday 6 April will be broadcast live and exclusive on ABC TV and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Westfield Matildas - International Friendly Match Schedule - April 2014 Westfield Matildas v Brazil Queensland Sports & Athletic Centre (QSAC), Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane Sunday, 6 April 2014 Kick-Off 3:00pm AEST Gates Open 2:00pm AEST

Ticket Prices Adult - $20 Child/Concession - $10 Family - $40

Ticket Prices are inclusive of GST & Booking Fee. Transaction and credit card fees may apply.

Concession (Pensioner, Student, Child) Pensioner - Aged,TPI (valid ID cards) including seniors cards Student - Full time tertiary and secondary school students (valid ID required) Child - 4-16 years inclusive (children 3 years and under are free unless they are occupying a seat) National Companion Card Accepted Family Definition: 2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children

Click here to buy your tickets online. To purchase over the phone, please call Ticketek on 132 849 or get your tickets from your local agency.

Westfield Matildas v Brazil Queensland Sports & Athletic Centre (QSAC), Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane Wednesday 9 April 2014 Kick-Off 4:30pm AEST Gates Open 3:30pm AEST

Please note that access to this match is by invitation only. No public ticket sales.

Follow the match on Twitter using the hash-tag #AUSvBRA