Brazil gains momentum at Women's World Cup, though it hasn't been pretty
MONTREAL - Brazil's push to win its first women's World Cup is gaining momentum, even if it hasn't been pretty.
The South Americans didn't come to Canada as title contenders but their credentials were bolstered with Saturday's 1-0 win over Spain. Costa Rica and South Korea's 2-2 draw meant Brazil clinched top spot in Group E to join defending champion Japan in the knockout stages.
Brazil's squad in Canada carries veteran names like Marta, Formiga and Cristiane who understand the expectations and can guide over a dozen World Cup rookies through the pressures of the finals. Starting with two victories has calmed nerves and bolstered confidence as Brazil has gelled to into a side that can attack, defend, stay disciplined, and grind out victories when necessary.
Brazilians aren't used to winning ugly, but coach Vadao was pleased about it Saturday.
"We did not score big but we won the game. I am not concerned about not scoring goals (because) we have players that can score," Vadao said through a translator.
"Brazilian football doesn't like to do quick transitions of the ball, we like to hold the ball, to play with it, to roll it around. But in modern women's football, the teams are very trained and we have to be able to play one of the alternatives."
Vadao pointed to Brazil's appearance at this year's Algarve Cup in Portugal as a turning point for him in shaping his tactics.
"We saw that something had to be added on - not changed - to our game. If our opponent does not allow us to play our game we have to have contingencies," he said. "At this tournament you have to adapt and be able to play whatever game is necessary."
While Marta and Formiga marked Brazil's opening victory over South Korea, it was newcomer Andressa Alves who slotted home the winner against Spain, the 22-year-old overcome with emotion after scoring her first World Cup goal.
Vadao will give Alves another start against Costa Rica but will rest several starters with the round of 16 in mind. But he was quick to warn his players about falling into bad habits for a match without consequence.
"We Brazilians have that habit of playing a great game and the next we lay back into that comfort zone. That is one of the things we have to be most aware of avoiding," said Vadao.
Brazil wants to finish atop Group E to face the runner-up from Group D in the last 16. That could be Sweden, Australia, Nigeria, or the United States.
"The U.S. group is very balanced so any of those opponents would be difficult," Vadao said.
Spain playmaker Veronica Boquete wasn't completely sold on Brazil should it come up against the Americans.
"Brazil has players who are difference-makers, players who can individually finish you off. But I don't know if that will carry them past other title contenders who also have players with similar individual qualities," Boquete said.
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