It could have been the perfect send off.

In the end, it was probably still close enough.

Even if the result did not go the way the Matildas wanted against a feisty, belligerent Brazil team, there was enough action to divert the post-match attention away from the pre-match festivities.

For Clare Polkinghorne, the ultimate team player, that is the least she would have wanted.

Emotions, which were stretched to boiling point in a brutal contest at Lang Park, were just as heightened in a very different way pre-game as Polkinghorne was honoured by her home crowd ahead of her last block of fixtures in Matildas green or gold.

This is not quite it for the 35-year-old, she will remain with the squad for Sunday's rematch against Brazil in Robina and then for the two internationals against Taiwan that follow in Victoria. 

For this though, her 168th appearance in Matildas colours, Polkinghorne walked onto the field solo, given a guard of honour by her family and teammates to celebrate an extraordinary career.

Visibly emotional, the 35-year-old gathered her niece Zoe and waved to the 47,501 supporters who showered her the affection befitting one of the all-time greats.

The tears flowed as a video tribute was played from her Matildas teammates as Polkinghorne watched surrounded by her family.

Then, another Queensland legend, Darren Lockyer, presented her with a framed jersey.

For the supporters, it was a tremendous moment to honour one of their favourite daughters.

For Polkinghorne, too, it was a moment to reflect. Enjoy. Allow herself a moment of selfishness and enjoy the adulation that was rained down upon her.

As one of the most selfless players to ever have set foot on a pitch, that would have been a challenge.

But, despite the applause and cheering directed her way, Polkinghorne appeared surprised that she was the centre of attention and was being asked to talk.

Because as lovely as that emotion-filled moment was, there was business to attend to.

"Just a few quick words for me because we've got a game to get on with," Polkinghorne said.

It was an opening sentence that summed up her lengthy, extraordinary career more than anything else could have.

"It's so special for me to be here and to celebrate in front of my home fans, in a city I grew up and in a stadium that I absolutely love," she said, graciously.

"And this team has been everything to me. And it's been a hell of a journey and I'm very thankful for everything that everyone has done along the way.

"So thank you very much and let's get on with it."

The niceties out the way, Polkinghorne was only interested in one thing. Playing the game she loves and has given so much of her life to.

And despite the defeat, despite the way that Brazil effortlessly came out and found space around the back three of which she was the heart, you got a sense that a full-blooded, brutal contest against a team willing to use every skill at their disposal to beat their hosts into the ground was exactly what Polkinghorne wanted.

In a rambunctious contest of end-to-end counter attacks, furious tackling and heated exchanges, Polkinghorne's calmness came to the fore, while her Rottweiler-like tenacity allowed her to stand toe-to-toe with a Brazil team that posed a serious test.

Sure, the way that Brazil carved the Matildas apart would not have pleased her.

The stodgy mobility of the Matildas in getting back to defence space in and around their box was concerning, allowing Brazil far too much time and space to pick their shots.

Neither would the refereeing, the frustration of which demanded Polkinghorne's cool head to remain on top of.

Coach Tom Sermanni described the referee as having been bullied as a number of vigorous challenges went unchecked, from both sides at times but certainly emanating far more regularly from the visitors.

Some of the decisions had Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord understandably fuming at the rough treatment they had endured, all though both gave back as good as they got.

Those things would not have pleased Polkinghorne, whose stoicism remained unchecked despite the punishment being meted out to her colleagues. 

Even being substituted on the hour mark, with players congregating to say farewell, was no moment of ceremony.

Polkinghorne dished off her captains armband and raced off the field to allow Sharn Freier, one of her successors through the Queensland system, to come on and try and help the Matildas win the game.

The attention, for someone so humble, was an uncomfortable necessity that the supporters needed as much, if not more than her.

It was probably just as necessary for her team, who will miss her despite Clare Hunt having overtaken Polkinghorne's spot as number one in the centre of defence.

Alanna Kennedy, a defensive partner of Polkinghorne for so long, was emotional when she spoke about her good mate.

"There is no other player like her," Kennedy said.

"We will definitely miss her.

"[She is] A special player within the team and has been for a long time. Just her presence alone is just incredible. 

"With Polks, she leads through actions and so she will definitely be missed."

After the match, Polkinghorne allowed herself that moment of acceptance.

Briefly, at least.

"It was special for me personally," Polkinghorne said.

"Unfortunately we couldn't get it done tonight as a team but another opportunity to go again in a few days' time and hopefully we can reverse the result."

Even when pressed on whether she would be missed, Polkinghorne remained the ultimate team player.

"I don't think they will have any troubles," she said. 

"The team is in capable hands, there are a lot of capable players and leaders in the team. 

"I'm just really excited to now be a fan of the Matildas and to sit back and watch them take on the world."