Brazil has put itself in prime position to advance to the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup knockout stage with a dominant 2-0 win over Australia at the Estadio Alejandro Morero Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica on Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning AEST).
Goals to Priscila and Aline either side of half-time – and a lengthy weather interruption – were enough to secure all three points for the Canarinhas, who could have had a half-dozen more goals if not for the intervention of Young Matildas goalkeeper Sally James.
As the nominal “away” side, Australia took the field in a non-traditional combination of wattle-green shirts and socks with gold shorts – an infamous combination last seen in World Cup finals in 2011 against Sweden – and appearances didn’t improve from there as Brazil peppered the Young Matildas goal early on, first from the head of Tarciane and then the boot of Yaya, forcing James to hold firm from both.
The heavens opened halfway through the first 45, and Brazil took advantage of the monsoonal conditions as they notched their first goal through striker Priscila, who was first to react after her original shot ricocheted off Ella Tonkin, allowing her a second effort which she buried beyond James without a trouble.
Brazil have found a way through the #YoungMatildas' defence! 😳
Watch Australia take on the South American giants in the U-20 @FIFAWWC LIVE right now on @SBS and @SBSOnDemand! ⚽🇦🇺
▶: https://t.co/LBb6SF3Hbg pic.twitter.com/MhHB1uBYbT
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) August 13, 2022
After a lengthy break to allow the rain and lightning to pass the Estadio Alejandro Morero Soto, Brazil continued peppering James’ goal, with the Young Matildas glovewoman recording three clean saves in the final eight minutes of regulation time plus stoppages before the main break.
https://twitter.com/SBSSportau/status/1558555035935510529
Despite the stop-start past hour, the Canarinhas wouldn’t have to wait long into the second half to double their lead, as Aline was first to pounce on Dudinha’s right-footed effort before slotting beyond James with just 12 seconds played, though the goal wouldn’t be confirmed until a lengthy stoppage by the video official.
https://twitter.com/SBSSportau/status/1558583749914202113
The Young Matildas were almost made to pay a third time just before the hour mark as Kirsty Fenton delayed her first touch in the centre circle, conceding possession to the Brazilian press and allowing Luany to push into James’ penalty area, though her final shot left a lot to be desired as it rippled the side netting.
James would come to her side’s rescue again with just over 20 minutes to play, thwarting yet another Brazilian attack from the left as Dudinha broke through the Australian defence before watching her effort be parried wide.
The Young Matildas would finally trouble Brazilian goalkeeper Gabi Babieri with seven minutes of regulation time remaining, with substitute Paige Zois fizzing a free kick towards the Canarinhas’ net after Abbey Lemon was brought down on the left flank by Yaya.
Brazil 2 (Priscila 26’ Aline 46’)
Australia 0
Brazil: Gabi Barbieri; Ana Clara, Tarciane, Lauren, Bruninha; Dudinha (Ravena 74’), Cris, Yaya, Luany (Kayliane 90’+3); Rafa Levis, Priscila (Analuyza 65’).
Yellow cards: Nil.
Australia: Sally James; Jamilla Rankin, Ella Tonkin, Naomi Thomas-Chinnima, Kirsty Fenton (Jessika Nash 87’); Sarah Hunter (Paige Zois 81’), Hana Lowry, Daniela Galić; Sheridan Gallagher (Abbey Lemon 65’), Kahli Johnson (Charlize Rule 46’), Bryleeh Henry (Cushla Rue 81’).
Yellow cards: Gallagher 10’.
Other results:
Costa Rica 0 Spain 5 at Estadio Alejandro Morero Soto, Alajuela
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
| 1 | SPAIN | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 4 |
| 2 | BRAZIL | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| 3 | AUSTRALIA | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | COSTA RICA | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | −7 | 0 |
