Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group F – France v Brazil – Brisbane Football Stadium, Brisbane, Australia – July 29, 2023 France’s Sandie Toletti celebrates after Wendie Renard scores their second goal REUTERS/Dan Peled (photo: REUTERS/Dan Peled) Brazil had expected to end a long drought against France and, to boot, guarantee early qualification for the round of 16 of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in women’s football.
However, in an uninspired performance, the team – commanded by Pia Sundhage – did not achieve either of the two goals, was defeated by 2-1, this Saturday (29th), in Brisbane, Australia, and now defines its future in the competition in the duel with Jamaica, on Wednesday (2), in Melbourne.
Le Sommer and star Wendie Renard scored for the French. Debinha scored the Brazilian goal. Now, in twelve duels between the two countries, there are seven French victories and five draws.
France’s captain and main player, Wendie Renard, 33, was confirmed for the duel hours before the match, after being doubtful during the week due to discomfort in her left calf. In Brazil, coach Pia Sundhage promoted a change in the starting lineup in relation to the debut against Panama: Bia Zaneratto gave way to Geyse.
When the ball rolled this Saturday (29), France took control of the actions, putting pressure on the Brazilian ball and causing discomfort in the national team. Occupying spaces within the Brazilian field, the European team created chances. Le Sommer stopped Lelê in the 12th minute, but five minutes later the number 12 could do nothing. The ball was lifted in the area, Diani deflected it with a header and Le Sommer, in the small area, also completed it with a header to make it 1-0 for the French team.
The goal scored did not make France relax, nor did the Brazilian team make more effort. The panorama was maintained during practically the entire first stage. Brazil, however, had a golden chance to equalize. After stealing the ball from the French defense, Adriana received it inside the area, free, but kicked it out.
Brazil seeks a draw, but falters
Without adjustments for the second half, Brazil found itself changing posture, keeping the ball more. The draw was not long in coming. In the 12th minute, on the left, Kerolin finished off the ball and the ball was left clean for Debinha inside the area. Calmly, she touched the exit of the goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin: 1 to 1.
More confident, the Brazilian team began to appear more in the attacking field and pose more danger. At 22, Debinha advanced in a counterattack but did not pass the ball and was disarmed. Shortly after, after a free kick on the left, Kerolin deflected it wide.
In their best moment of the match, however, the team faltered. At 37 minutes, after a corner kick from the left, nobody accompanied captain Wendie Renard, 1.87m tall. She headed past Lele to make France 2-1.
After the goal conceded, Pia made three substitutions at once, one of them being Marta. Brazil occupied more of the attacking field, but only took danger in the last shot of the game, in a raised ball in the area that did not find anyone in a position to finish.
The 2-1 score for France was a repetition of the result of the clash in the round of 16 of the last Cup, in 2019. France takes the lead in the group, with four points, while Brazil, with three, can be overtaken in case of Jamaica’s victory over Panama in the game that closes the second round of the bracket.
The Brazilian team takes the field again, for the final round of the first group, next Wednesday (2), against Jamaica, in Melbourne.
* Matter amended at 10:15 am to add information.
2023-07-29 13:55:59
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