This article is part of the Guardian’s Women’s World Cup 2023 Experts’ Network, a cooperation between among the finest media organisations from the 32 international locations who certified. theguardian.com is working previews from two international locations every day within the run-up to the match kicking off on 20 July.
Overview
Brazil enter the match nonetheless trying to find their first world title. They had been overwhelmed finalists in 2007 however have disenchanted since, falling on the quarter-final stage in 2011 and the final 16 in 2015 and 2019. But a brand new era underneath Pia Sundhage are optimistic this time might be totally different. Perhaps unencumbered by the strain felt by earlier groups, this younger group went unbeaten in claiming the 2022 Copa América, with their versatility a key asset. Antônia, Kathellen and Ary Borges, for instance, all performed in a number of positions. “I’m there for whatever she [Sundhage] needs,” stated Borges.
The team now not rely so closely on the legendary trio of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga, with solely Marta within the squad. The No 10 now acts as a supply of assist and inspiration for the youthful gamers and Sundhage typically makes a degree of praising the 37-year-old famous person.
In 2019, Brazil arrived on the World Cup on the again of 9 consecutive defeats however their type within the lead-up to this match has been a lot better. After going unbeaten for 10 video games in 2022, the team had been spectacular in opposition to England and Germany in April, shedding to the Lionesses on penalties after a resilient show within the Finalissima at Wembley and beating a powerful German aspect 2-1 in Nuremberg. “We have taken big steps in these four years,” stated Sundhage. “We’ve brought in new players and I think we are in a good place.”
The coach
Pia Sundhage is likely one of the most profitable coaches within the girls’s sport, having received two Olympic golds and a World Cup with USA, plus an Olympic silver with Sweden. She took over Brazil in 2019 with the mission to rejuvenate the team and re-establish them as a number one pressure. Sundhage has known as up greater than 90 gamers and shaped a squad largely of recent abilities. Her aspect is bodily stronger, largely enjoying in a 4-4-2 system, with an emphasis on technical gamers. She travels to Australia and New Zealand in a assured temper: “We have got a chance.”
Star participant
Marta, a six-time winner of the Best Fifa Women’s Player award, leads the squad in her sixth World Cup. A key determine on and off the sector, she is considered among the finest of all time. This can be her closing World Cup and she or he would like to log off by profitable the trophy for the primary time. Her teammates have made a pact: “We are taking inspiration from what Argentina did for Messi. We want to do the same for Marta,” stated Kerolin.
Rising star
At 17 years previous, Aline Gomes has an enormous future. The attacking midfielder has explosive physicality, critical dribbling expertise and velocity. She got here by the ranks at Ferroviária and made her worldwide debut in opposition to England at Wembley.
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Did you know?
Gabi Nunes always wanted to be a footballer, but she never imagined she would play alongside her biggest inspiration. When she was younger, she used the password “Marta in the future” for her social media accounts and, like many Brazilian girls, dreamed of meeting the Brazil No 10. They are now teammates.
Women’s football was banned in Brazil for nearly 40 years. As a result, the sport still grows slowly in the country. The 2019 World Cup was a turning point and in the past four years the domestic league has gained more visibility with matches broadcast on television. Clubs have started to invest more in their women’s teams, attracting more fans to games and setting attendance records.
Realistic goal for this World Cup?
Reaching the semi-finals is the target, though those recent performances against England in the Finalissima and the friendly against Germany showed Brazil can dream bigger. “They are very good and prepared to do anything,” said Sundhage.
Written by Amanda Porfirio and Mariana Santos and translated by Adrielle Farias for Fut das Minas
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