For the first hour against Brazil on Tuesday night, the Matildas showed why they could be contenders at the 2023 World Cup on home soil. During the last 30 minutes, it became clear why they’re still a long way from being the finished article.

Sam Kerr scored one of the Matildas’ best team goals in recent years as Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead, only for the side to suffer a late collapse, conceding twice in the last half-hour and forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at CommBank Stadium in front of 12,087 fans.

For the first hour, the Matildas played their best football under the guidance of coach Tony Gustavsson. They oozed composure. They played with confidence through the might of Brazil, led by six-time world player of the year, Marta, while opening up their defence regularly with precise and direct raids.

However, defensive frailties remained and two cheap goals surrendered late – including one from poor marking on a corner – meant a mostly impressive performance will be remembered as a missed opportunity.

“I do think there are some improvements in the defending side in this game, but I still do feel there are some unnatural ones [mistakes],” Gustavsson said. “Of course I am a bit disappointed that we conceded a goal on that corner, we know set plays are very, very important ... That’s something we need to definitely keep working on.”

Australia’s onslaught began almost instantly. Clever passages of play made light work of Brazil’s defence and Caitlin Foord had two gilt-edged chances, and would have been disappointed not to have found the back of the net from close range.

However, it was centre back Clare Polkinghorne who broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, just as she did on Saturday. A botched Brazilian clearance from a corner fell to Polkinghorne’s left boot and she fired in a shot that looped past goalkeeper Leticia.

After conceding, Brazil found their rhythm. Adriana rattled the upright from distance before Marta thought she had won a penalty on the stroke of half-time. She was fouled by Tameka Yallop inside the box but was flagged for being offside in the lead-up – a decision replays showed was perhaps a let-off for Australia.