SOCCER
The Brazilian team had much more game volume than its opponents, with twice as many shots, and achieved a 3-1 scoreline.
Published on December 1, 2024 at 09:29
Players celebrate the second goal against Australia Credit: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF
Women’s football in Brazil closes 2024 with a positive balance. In Gold Coast, Arthur Elias’ team beat Australia again in their last match of the season. Playing as if it were an official match and not a friendly, the Brazilian team started with a frenetic pace, was superior and defeated the hosts 2-1 this Sunday.
In Brisbane, in the middle of the week, Brazil broke an 8-year taboo. The team defeated Australia 3-1, in a match that featured two goals from Amanda Gutierres and one from Gio Queiroz. The rivals were semi-finalists in last year’s World Cup (they finished in 4th place), held in Australia and New Zealand. Brazil won a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The result reflects how the duel went, and the score could have been even more elastic. The Brazilian team had much more game volume than its opponents, with twice as many shots and as many fouls. Brazil imposed a frenetic pace from the start, with pressure on the home team to get the ball out. Just like the goals, the yellow cards also came early for Arthur Elias’ men.
In Brisbane, the game was 2-0 after just 13 minutes. This Sunday, the first Brazilian goal only came at 29, with Gabi Portilho. A positive point for the team coached by Artur Elias, who knew how to overcome the pressure from Australia, who at that moment were more comfortable on the field. The second came at 39 with Lauren, after a rehearsed corner play. Shirt number 4 appeared behind the rival defense at the second post and only had the job of pushing the ball into the back of the net.
Australia’s response came at 41. Hayley Raso appeared alone in the Brazilian box and completed a low cross after a failure by the Brazilian defense. There was an unmarked foul on Adriana in the attacking field at the origin of the play.
Just like in the first half, Brazil started the second half excitedly with a finish from Gio Queiroz in the first moments. The game, despite being intense, was a friendly, and the two coaches didn’t take long to make changes. The changes served both to change the pace of the game and to promote testing.
The quality dropped due to fatigue. Australia tried their best to avoid another setback in front of their fans, while Brazil tightened its defense, committing hard fouls. The Brazilian team remained dominant, despite allowing more chances to the home team, who were unable to convert the chances into goals. Goalkeeper Lorena worked at the end of the game and caused concern with her left shoulder, but the result remained until the end.
