Brazil’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup dream has come to an end. This Wednesday, the Brazilian team drew 0-0 with Jamaica in the last match of the group stage, an insufficient result to keep the team alive in the tournament held in Australia and New Zealand.
Before today’s match in Melbourne, Brazil came from victory against Panama and defeat to France. With this performance, the Brazilian team needed to beat Jamaica to reach the round of 16. At the end, with one more point (5 to 4), the Jamaicans qualified.
An historic day for @JFF_Football! 🇯🇲#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 2, 2023
In the other match of the day for Group F, France defeated Panama 6-3 and advanced to the round of 16 as first place, with 7 points.
For the first time Marta since the beginning
For the first time in this World Cup, Marta was on the pitch with the Brazil team from the start whistle. Before that, in the previous games against Panama and France, the former best player in the world, currently 37 years old, only came into action in the final minutes.
The Brazilian team kept the ball close to Jamaica’s box, insisting on plays on the edges of the pitch. But in the first half there were few real chances to score. Goalkeeper Becky Spencer made nice saves in the best Brazilian finishes.
Coach Pia Sundhage made a bold move by replacing Ary Borges, with three goals in the tournament, for Bia Zaneratto after halftime. The characteristics of the game were maintained, but Brazil was unable to threaten the opponent, who defended himself very well.
Marta left the pitch in the 80th minute, when Pia tried a final move with three substitutions. But, with more desperation than strategy, Brazil was not able to score the goal that was worth a place in the round of 16.
