World Cup Match Report: Italy 0-1 Brazil

The Brazilians looked very bright in the early stages, attacking down both flanks. There was an initial concern for Brazil after Ludmila looked in pain after being fouled. Thankfully the Atletico Madrid winger was able to shake it off.

Italy responded by going on the attack and the hat-trick hero against Australia, Barbara Bonansea, had her low drive turned around the post by Barbara.

Italy were again getting stuck into the Brazilians as Elisa Bartoli is given a yellow card for a high tackle on Debinha. Bartoli was fortunate not to have been seen red.

After half an hour of the first half, Italy almost took the lead thanks to a beautiful goal. Cristiana Girelli controls a flick on and teases the Brazil defence by flicking the ball around the defender before finishing passed Barbosa. Sadly for Girelli, she was comfortably offside from the initial flick on.

Six minutes into the second half a foul on the edge of the box gives Brazil a free-kick in a very dangerous position. Andressinha steps up to take the kick from Marta, her shot floats over the wall but it clips the bar and goes out for a goal kick.

Italy ended the first half well and I thought that they would continue to impose themselves but it was Brazil who looked the most likely to score.

In the 74th minute Debinha is sent tumbling and the referee awards a penalty for Brazil. Marta steps up and sends the keeper the wrong way to become the outright highest goalscorer at FIFA World Cups with 17 goals, one ahead of the German striker, Miroslav Klose.

Brazil were able to see out the game and finish the group on six points along with Italy and Australia, sending all three through to the knock out phase.

Italy: Giulani; Gama; Galli; Linari; Guagni; Girelli; Bonansea; Bartoli; Giacinti; Cernoia; Giugliano

Brazil: Barbara; Thaisa; Tamires; Debinha; Marta; Cristiane; Leticia Santos; Kathellen; Andressinha; Ludmila; Monica

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