France remained on course to reach the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup after earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
Les Bleues dominated the early exchanges and veteran forward Eugenie Le Sommer deservedly opened the scoring in the 17th minute, running onto Kadidiatou Diani’s cushioned header before nodding the ball past Leticia in the Brazil goal. However, Debora Cristiane de Oliveira levelled matters for the Canarinhas in the 58th minute.
There was certainly some good fortune in the build-up as Kerolin’s strike was deflected into Debinha’s path, but the forward reacted swiftly and took one sumptuous touch with the outside of her boot before firing the ball past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
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With Brazil hoping to get a point from the Group F battle, Renard appeared unmarked at the far post with seven minutes left to the final whistle, to head Selma Bacha’s corner past Leticia. The three points gained will be a huge boost for the Herve Renard-coached side – illustrated by the ecstatic celebrations that followed the full-time whistle – after the team struggled to a goalless draw against Jamaica in its opening match.
Brazil, meanwhile, remains on three points after beating Panama 4-0 in its opener and a win over Jamaica will guarantee a place in the last 16. Earlier, Sweden advanced to the knockout stages after a 5-0 win over Italy.