Marta on spot with 17th World Cup as Brazil through with 1-0 win against Italy
Brazil's players celebrate after Marta's record-breaking goal against Italy. (Philippe Huguen/AFP)
Brazil's players celebrate after Marta's record-breaking goal against Italy. (Philippe Huguen/AFP)

…Australia beat Reggae Girlz 4-1

VALENCIENNES, France (Reuters) – Marta’s second-half penalty sent Brazil into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win against Italy yesterday that ensured they finished as one of the best third-placed sides.

Marta, the only player to score at five different World Cups, converted a spot kick in the 74th minute as Brazil finished third in Group C on six points, level with Italy, who top the group on goal difference.

It was Marta’s 17th World Cup goal, moving her ahead of Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the outright top scorer in both the men’s and women’s game.

Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 to finish second in the group, also on six points, but ahead on goals scored off Brazil, who face a potential clash with hosts France for a place in the quarter-finals.

Italy looked physically superior, but it was Brazil who had the biggest early chance when Debinha flicked on a corner kick and forced Italy keeper Laura Giuliani to make a point-blank save.

Cristiana Girelli fired home after controlling superbly in the area, but the effort was disallowed for offside in the 29th minute.

Italy went close again in the 40th minute when Barbara Bonansea’s volley at the end of a sharp counterattack forced Brazil keeper Barbara to make a spectacular save.
Brazil threatened after the break, with Cristiane’s finely taken free kick hitting the crossbar in the 52nd minute.

Brazil were eventually rewarded when they were awarded a penalty after Debinha was brought down by Elena Linari and Marta coolly converted the spot kick, wrong-footing Giuliani.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.