FRANKFURT, GERMANY (BDCi) – The women footballers of Brasil completed a sweep of Group D Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
The verde e amarelo were held scoreless in the first half by their opponents’ stubborn defense.
“We had a good talk at halftime and said we had to do better,” said Brazil coach Kleiton Lima.
Five time FIFA player of the year Marta was held in check most of the game by speedy defender Bruna of Equatorial Guinea. It took a defender – Erika – to ignite the Brazilians with samba-like moves to set up a goal at the 49 minute mark of the game.
Minutes later Marta set up Cristiane with a pinpoint, low cross that the talented Marta sidekick launched into the net. In celebration, Cristiane did an impressive body flip and back somersault.
Cristiane also scored in stoppage time after Marta drew a penalty kick on the defenders.
Brazil secured the top spot in Group D with Australia finishing in second place after their 2-1 victory over Norway.
Both teams will anxiously await the results of Group C’s featured game today between the United States and Sweden who are tied with 6 points. If the U.S. loses, they would play Brazil on Sunday in Dresden, Germany.
By Don Weinstein Source: Yahoo 6 July 2011
12:13 p.m. P.D.T.