Brazil 1-2 France
Two groups were standing on two poles. In their first match, Brazil were flying like they beat Panama 4-0. And France's back was against the wall with a goalless draw with Jamaica.
The French girls, who went to the World Cup with hopes of winning the title, would have been almost certain to be eliminated from the group stage if another unexpected result accompanied them today. However, Captain Wendi Renner did not allow that to happen. France beat Brazil 2-1 with his goal in the 83rd minute. With this victory, the hope of playing in the knockout stage was not only kept alive, but the French girls also climbed to the top of the 'F' group. They have 4 points in two matches, Brazil's 3. The other two teams in the group are Jamaica and Panama.
About 50,000 spectators came to watch the high-voltage match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Brazil and France gave visitors an enjoyable match in attack-counter-attack.
The French girls took the lead in the 17th minute with the goal of the experienced striker Eugenie La Sommer. This is La Sommer's 90th goal for the national team. He and Kadidiyatu Diani kept the Brazilian defense busy for almost the entire first half.
Brazil equalized after the break. Debinia brought Brazil back into the match with a goal in the 58th minute. Caroline's powerful shot in the middle of the scrum deflected off an opponent's player and came to Devinia. The 31-year-old forward controlled the ball with great skill. In front of him was only goalkeeper Peira Magnon. Devinia was not wrong to fool him.
But the joy of the Brazilian girls did not last long. France went on to score the winning goal. In the 83rd minute, there was a glimpse of success. Selma Bachara's deflected shot from the corner found the defenseless Rainer. The French captain disappointed Brazil with a great header.
After falling behind for the second time, Brazil coach Pia Sundhage dropped the legendary Marta. But it didn't work. French coach Harvey Renner created a rather exciting situation at the end. Renner, who coached Saudi Arabia in the World Cup defeat to Argentina in Qatar, got into an argument with FIFA representatives after the referee continued to play after added time. This coach was even angry when the referee gave Brazil a free kick in the 98th minute. However, after the referee blew the final whistle, he had a smile on his face. That smile is also a relief.
