France top Group F with win over Brazil
France Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
France have moved to the top of Group F in the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a valuable 2-1 win over Brazil in Brisbane on Saturday.
After France’s lacklustre performance in their scoreless draw with Jamaica – Les Bleues needed a good result against Brazil to set themselves up for qualification to the last 16 of the competition.
Eugenie Le Sommer had been a danger for Brazil and drawn a save from Brazilian goalkeeper Laticia before scoring the opener.
The 34 year old took the opportunity in the 17th minute when Sakina Karchaoui’s cross was headed on by Kadidiatou Diani – finding space to nod the ball into the net and send France into the lead.
Le Sommer’s sixth World Cup goal has her top the list of France’s all time scorers in the competition.
Brazil came back into the game and in the 58th minute Debinha took advantage of a deflected shot by Kerolin and slotted the ball into the net to draw the side level.
The Brazilians surely thought they had done enough for a share of the spoils late in the game but it wasn’t to be as Selma Bacha’s corner was headed home by Wendie Renard in the 83rd minute to give France the three points.
France boss Herve Renard was pleased with the result when he spoke to the media post-match: “We had the courage to react after conceding. We found that second goal and showed a lot of courage and self-sacrifice.
“Sometimes in a competition there are benchmark matches. This must be one of them because we beat a very good Brazil team. [With Wendie Renard] it's experience. I'd like to thank her for sticking to her guns and all the girls for putting in so much effort."
France Women: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin; Sakina Karchaoui, Maelle Lakrar, Eve Perisset, Wendie Renard, Sandie Toletti; Selma Bacha, Kenza Dali (Lea Le Garrec 87), Grace Geyoro; Kadidiatou Diani, Eugenie Le Sommer (Vicki Becho 65).
Subs not used: Solene Durand, Constance Picaud, Estelle Cascarino, Elisa De Almeida, Laurina Fazer, Amel Majri, Clara Matéo, Viviane Asseyi, Naomie Feller.
Booked: Kenza Dali (11), Sandie Toletti (29), Sakina Karchaoui (69).
Brazil Women: . Leticia; . Antonia (Monica Hickmann Alves 85), Tamires, Lauren Eduarda Leal Costa (Lauren), . Rafaelle; . Adriana (. Beatriz 80), Ariadina Ary Borges (. Ana Vitoria 85), . Kerolin, Luana Bertolucci Paixao; . Debinha (. Marta 85), Geyse Ferreira (Andressa . 61).
Subs not used: . Barbara, . Camila, Kathellen Sousa, Bruninha, Nycole Raysla Silva, Gabriela Nunes, Maria Eduarda Duda Sampaio.
Booked: Luana Bertolucci Paixao (44).
Referee: Kate Jacewicz.
Attendance: 49,378
