Brilliant Brazil meet France in blockbuster World Cup clash

A confident Brazil side will look to build on their dazzling Women’s World Cup opener while France aim to kick-start their campaign when the two meet in a blockbuster clash on Saturday, where a win would assure the South Americans a last 16 spot.

Eighth-ranked Brazil were at their fluent best as they thrashed tournament debutants Panama 4-0 but will face a tougher test against the world’s fifth best team France, who were held to a goalless draw by Jamaica in their Group F opener.

France beat Brazil 2-1 in extra time in the last 16 of their home World Cup in 2019. However, this time in Brisbane, France could be without the injured Wendie Renard in defence and a defeat would put them on the brink of an early exit.

“The team is loud, there is a lot of confidence,” Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said. “Not conceding goals is very important but, at the end of the day, it will be more important to score goals against France.

“To put away our chances is what it is all about. If you do that and get a goal, the self-confidence and the team spirit will be very different and they will continue to play the way we want to play.”

Bottom side Panama will be eliminated if they lose to Jamaica in the other Group F match in Perth. Jamaica will be without star striker Khadija Shaw, who will serve a one-game suspension after being sent off against France.

After Friday’s dramatic 2-2 draw between South Africa and Argentina in Group G, Sweden take on Italy in Wellington and a win for either side will be enough to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

Advertisement Top Sports News Now

• ‘The name of the game is intimidation’: Hungry Gukesh takes on resurgent Magnus Carlsen
• Vidit wins 4-2 against Nepomniachtchi to complete Indian quartet in FIDE WC quarters
• Neymar joins exodus from Europe for ‘greener’ pastures in Saudi Arabia

Click here for more

Both teams are level on three points but Sweden top the group on number of goals scored thanks to their 2-1 win over South Africa in their opener, while Italy beat Argentina 1-0.

Also Read

‘Can’t understand why coming here would damage Henderson’s legacy and Mes...

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo looks bemused after being snubbed for player of ...

Jose Mourinho substitutes Roma player, forces his own team to play with 1...

Neymar set for Saudi move after Al Hilal agree near-USD100M transfer fee ...

“We are about to play against a team that is a very high level, that is well rounded,” Italy coach Milena Bertolini said. “They have a physical intensity but they are also very technical, so it’s the whole package.