Without inspiration, Brazil is 0-0 against Jamaica and bids farewell to the Cup – News of Brazil
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In Brazil’s main commitment in the Women’s World Cup, the team led by Pia Sundhage did not get the goal they needed to advance to the round of 16. After a goalless draw against Jamaica this Wednesday (2), in Melbourne, the Brazilians said goodbye to the World Cup without even passing the group stage, something that had not happened since 1995. With four points, Brazil finished third in group F, behind Jamaica itself (five points) and France (who beat Panama by 6 to 3 and reached seven points, in first place).
Needing to win to secure qualification (a draw would require a combination of results to advance), Pia Sundhage brought about an impactful change in the starting XI. After starting on the bench and coming on only in the last few minutes in the first two games for the national team, Marta was chosen in the starting line-up.
For about 20 minutes, things went well for Brazil, but not because of anything the team itself was doing. Marta Cox opened the scoring for Panama against France in Sydney with a great free-kick in the second minute. At that moment, Brazil had the combination of results it needed to qualify even with a tie.
When Lakrar tied for France, at 21, the figure changed and, as expected, victory was mandatory. In the first stage, using mainly the left side of the attack, Brazil even created. Tamires appeared well to submit twice, at 19 and at 38, but on both occasions the submission was defended by Rebecca Spencer.
In another move from the left, the cross found Ary Borges in the area. The weapon that earned her two goals on her debut, the head, was not as efficient this time and the finish at 23 went over the goal.
Jamaica, completely dedicated to defending, ended the first half without a shot. Brazil bordered 60% possession. But it didn’t make the pressure that was expected. At that point, France went into the break already thrashing Panama 4-1.
Second half: more possession, less creativity from Brazil
On the way back from the break, Ary Borges gave way to Bia Zaneratto. In the first minutes, the impression was that Brazil would assume a more incisive position in the attacking field to actually put pressure on the Jamaicans.
However, it was soon seen that the selection became hostage to a lack of creativity and nervousness. Insisting on aerial plays, Brazil had the ball but did little to finish. It ran into the strong defense of the Caribbean country (which entered the field without having been leaked and ended up like that) and the passing errors.
In a last card of desperation, Pia Sundhage drew, at once, three players – one of them Marta – when there were less than ten minutes to go. Andressa Alves, Duda Sampaio and Geyse entered but did not change the course of the match.
Geyse had the best chance when he received it in the area with an angle to shoot, from the left, but the finish was completely crooked.
At the end, Andressa Alves took a direct free kick into Spencer’s hands. In the last play of the game, Brazil put all its players – including goalkeeper Letícia – in the attack with a corner kick. After intense back-and-forth, the ball fell to Debinha, who headed it towards the right corner, but Spencer again arrived in time to score.
With the final whistle, the lawn of the Rectangular Stadium was taken by emotion, from the joyful cry of the Jamaicans, classified to the knockout stage for the first time in history, to the tears of disappointment of the Brazilians.
France’s triumph over Panama by 6-3 (with three goals from Diani for France), finally, decreed the elimination of Brazil.
The French, winners of the bracket, are waiting for the second place in group H to find out who they face on Tuesday (8), in Adelaide (Australia).
Likewise, Jamaica is waiting for the first place in the same group to meet the opponent in the round of 16, also on Tuesday (8), in Melbourne (Australia).
This Thursday (3), the group stage of the Cup ends with the two final duels of group H. South Korea and Germany face each other in Brisbane (Australia), while Colombia and Morocco measure forces in Perth (Australia). Colombia has six points, occupying the lead, followed by Germany and Morocco with three points each, while South Korea still has no points.
By Igor Santos – EBC Reporter
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