Preview: France Women vs. Brazil Women
The two big hitters in Group F will face off on Saturday when France Women go up against Brazil Women at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Brazil begun the Women’s World Cup 2023 with a commanding victory over Panama, while France had to settle for a point in their tournament opener against Jamaica.
France’s World Cup campaign started with a frustrating result, as they were held to a goalless draw by Jamaica, despite enjoying 67% of possession and registering 13 shots.
Herve Renard, who was appointed as France boss in March, may be disappointed by the fact that his side have now failed to score in consecutive games.
However, France have still proven to be a tough team to beat in recent times, having lost just one of their nine internationals.
With Les Bleues looking to reach the knockout rounds for the fourth consecutive World Cup, a win on Saturday would significantly boost their hopes of finishing in the top two.
Impressively, France have emerged victorious from their last four meetings with Brazil, including an extra-time win in the last 16 of the 2019 World Cup.
Brazil showcased their quality in their tournament against Panama, racking up four goals without reply to ease to all three points.
Ary Borges scored twice in the first half to give Brazil a two-goal cushion, before Bia Zaneratto added a third after the interval.
There was still plenty of time for Borges to cap off a standout performance by wrapping up her hat-trick to secure a commanding 4-0 victory.
Since failing to make it out of the group in the first two editions of the Women’s World Cup in 1991 and 1995, Brazil have made six consecutive appearances in the knockout rounds.
Pia Sundhage’s side know that they will seal their place in the last 16 with a game to spare if they pick up all three points on Saturday.
France Women Women’s World Cup form:
D
Brazil Women Women’s World Cup form:
W
We say: France Women 1-2 Brazil Women
Brazil appeared to be in imperious form in their opening game against Panama, and we think that they will lay down a marker by claiming a narrow win over a France side that have proven tough to beat in recent times.