In Brazil’s main commitment at the women’s football World Cup, the team led by Pia Sundhage failed to score the goal needed to advance to the knockout stage. After a goalless draw against Jamaica on Wednesday (2) in Melbourne, the Brazilian team said goodbye to the World Cup without even making it past the group stage, something that hadn’t happened since 1995. With four points, Brazil finished third in Group F, behind Jamaica (five points) and France (who defeated Panama 6-3 and reached seven points, finishing first).
Needing a win to secure qualification (a draw would require a combination of results to advance), Pia Sundhage made a significant change to the starting eleven. After starting on the bench and coming on only in the last minutes of the first two matches, Marta was named a starter.
For about 20 minutes, things went well for Brazil, but not because of anything the team was doing. Marta Cox opened the scoring for Panama against France in Sydney with a stunning free-kick goal, just two minutes in. At that moment, Brazil had the combination of results it needed to qualify even with a draw.
When Lakrar equalized for France in the 21st minute, the picture changed, and as expected, victory became a necessity. In the first half, mainly using the left side of the attack, Brazil created some chances but failed to finish anything with danger.
Jamaica, completely dedicated to defending, ended the first half without a single shot on goal. Brazil had nearly 60% possession. But they did not apply the pressure they expected. By that point, France was already leading Panama 4-1 at halftime.
Upon returning from the break, Ary Borges was replaced by Bia Zaneratto. In the first few minutes, it seemed that Brazil would take a more aggressive position in the attacking field to truly pressure the Jamaicans.
However, it soon became clear that the team had become a hostage to a lack of creativity and nervousness. Insisting on aerial plays, Brazil had the ball but rarely took shots. They stumbled against the strong defense of the Caribbean nation (which took the field without having been breached and ended that way) and made passing errors.
With the final whistle, the pitch at the Rectangular Stadium was filled with emotion, from the joyful tears of the Jamaicans, who qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in history, to the tears of disappointment from the Brazilians.
The triumph of France over Panama by 6-3 (with three goals from Diani for France) ultimately sealed Brazil’s elimination.
Source: Agência Brasil