Brazil was defeated by France this Saturday in Brisbane, Australia, in a Group F match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Debinha scored for the Brazilians, but the Europeans managed to win 2-1 thanks to the success of her aerial ball game.
With the defeat, Brazil remains with 3 points in Group F, due to the victory over Panama in the opening match. France are at the top of the group with 4 points.
This Saturday’s match in Brisbane was a reunion of old rivals. Four years ago, with many 2023 current players involved, France beat Brazil in the round of 16 of the previous World Cup, in a dramatic overtime (1-2). As in 2019, this Saturday’s clash was once again breathtaking.
Same score as 2019
In the first half, the play that first changed the score happened at 16 minutes. France took the lead through an aerial move when Kadidiatou Diani beat the Brazilian defense high up and deflected a header towards Eugenie Le Sommer. So, the French number 9 was skilful enough to deflect, also using with his head, in the direct duel against goalkeeper Lelê.
After the halftime, Brazil showed more patience in the collective game and managed to score in the 56th minute. After an exchange of passes, a deflected ball reached Debinha’s feet. Then the Brazilian forward was cool enough to get the ball out of Peyraud-Magnin’s reach and score. The goal set off the celebration of Brazilian fans in the stands in Brisbane, but the joy was short lived.
É ELA!!!!!!!!!@Debinha7 deixa tudo igual!
🇧🇷 1 x 1 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/ItQ1AnUdfu
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) July 29, 2023
France reached the winning goal again in an aerial ball play. Defender Wendie Renard moved freely in the middle of the Brazilian defense in a corner play and managed to score with a header. The play took place in the 82nd minute. So there were few minutes left for a coming back.
As had happened in the victory against Panama in the opening game, Marta came off the bench. The star won the chance to play for Brazil only in the 85th minute, when coach Pia Sundhage changed three of the team’s players. However, Brazil was unable to threaten the goal saved by Peyraud-Magnin.
𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗜𝗥𝗘 🔥🇫🇷
Succès très important pour les Bleues dans l'optique de la qualification en 1/8es de finale !Bravo les filles 🙌💙 #FRABRE | #FiersdetreBleues pic.twitter.com/pZd4M38IjJ
— Equipe de France Féminine (@equipedefranceF) July 29, 2023
The Brazilian girls will go back to the pitch on Wednesday, in Melbourne, when they face Jamaica in the Group F third round. At stake in the match will be survival in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and a place in the Round of 16.
