Antonia admits Panama’s fragility, but asks for attention

The Brazilian women’s soccer team will debut at the World Cup on Monday (24). And the first opponent will be Panama, precisely the weakest in Group F. For right-back Antônia, a debut against a weaker team will light up Brazil’s alert to avoid surprises in the first match at the World Cup.

“What we have focused a lot on is knowing that there are no easy games in the Cup. It is the first game, the debut. We need to take the anxiety away. It will be the first Cup for many people. I believe that we are focused on putting into practice the principles that Pia has been passing on to us. We will impose our game, but knowing that they can pose danger, especially in the counterattack. We need to have possession of the ball”, warned the player, this Thursday.

The Panama team currently occupies the 52nd position in the FIFA ranking. In the group stage, the Brazilian team will also face Jamaica (43rd) and the favorite France (5th) – Brazil is in 8th place.

“We are already in the mood for the Cup. It is already the Cup. We have a very good, outgoing group. And now it has started to turn the key that it is the World Cup. The debut is coming, we are very anxious to enter the field”, said the side.

Antonia will be one of the 11 debutants of the Brazilian team in a World Cup. The side, however, stands out for having more experience than the others. At the age of 29, she even emerges as one of the leaders of the team. This Thursday, at a press conference, the player said she felt comfortable in the group led by coach Pia Sundhage.

“I feel very comfortable here. Each one knows their role and their importance. Pia lets me be who I am, and the group gives me complete security. Despite being 29 years old, I am part of Pia’s renewal. And the group also gives me complete confidence. I think my experience also counts”, he declared.

RESULTS OF THE DAY

The first day of the World Cup featured two games this Thursday, at dawn in Brazil. The two host teams of the event, Australia and New Zealand, debuted with victory. For Group A, New Zealand beat the favorite Norway by 1 to 0, with a goal by Wilkinson. In stoppage time, Percival missed a penalty for the home team.

In Group B, Australia overcame Ireland by the same score. Catley scored the only goal of the match, from a penalty kick. The game marked the debut of Brazilian refereeing in this Cup, with Edina Alves (SP-Fifa) as field referee, assisted by Neuza Back (SP-Fifa) and Leila Cruz (GO-Fifa). VAR was in charge of Daiane Muniz (SP-Fifa).