France Edges Out Brazil

T. James

• Shutterstock

Hosts France advanced to the quarter-final round of the World Cup after defeating Brazil in a hard-fought second round match between the two sides. The game remained tied at the end of regulation and was only settled in extra time, by a goal from French captain, Amandine Henry.

The hosts finished group play top of Group A, winning all three of their group games and maintaining the push for a deep run in the tournament. Brazil finished third in Group C, although they were tied on points with both the group leaders, Italy, and runners-up, Australia.

In the lively encounter, France found the back of Brazil’s net in the 23rd minute, but the goal was disallowed and a foul on Brazilian goalkeeper, Barbara, was called instead. Gauvin arrived a fraction of a second later than Barbara to head Diani’s cross into the net. The collision between the two players left both writhing in pain on the ground for some time, while Canadian referee, Marie-Soleil Beaudoin, performed a VAR check.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 52nd minute of play when Diani found some space on the right flank, accelerated into the box, before squaring across goal for Gauvin to finish.

Brazil almost equalized within minutes off a free-kick into the box. Christiane met the ball with a header, but French goalkeeper, Bouhaddi, got a hand onto the ball, deflecting it onto the crossbar and out.

The equalizing goal finally came in the 63rd minute. Debinha’s cross from the left was stopped by Renard, but the ball fell perfectly for Thaisa to finish low into Bouhaddi’s left post. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR confirmed Debinha to be onside when she received the initial pass.

Both teams continued to press for a winning goal that was not forthcoming. The game eventually went into extra time.

Debinha had a great opportunity to give Brazil the lead close to the end of the first half of extra time. Once again, she broke free on the left and accelerated towards goal. Her goal-bound attempt on beat goalkeeper, Bouhaddi, but a timely goal-line clearance by Bathy stopped the hosts from falling behind.

Minutes into the second half of extra time, French captain, Amandine Henry delivered the game winner, stabbing the ball in from close range, off Amel Majri’s long free-kick from the right.

France held on the win the game and will next face the winner of the second round game between Spain and the United States.