FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – ENGLAND LATE SHOW UPSETS BRAZIL

WELLINGTON – England stormed to the top of Group D with a 3-0 win over Brazil at Wellington Stadium this afternoon in front of 10795 fans. Two goals for Danielle Carter and a lone strike for Lauren Bruton late in the second-half were enough to give England a surprise victory over heavily favoured Brazil.

It was a disciplined and well-organised performance by England who survived an intense start to the match by Brazil. But Brazilian flair and technique was not enough to penetrate a strong England defence led by the dependable Gemma Bonner.

Brazil’s plans went awry when key midfielder Beatriz was replaced after just 19 minutes, the 14-year-old youngster hospitalised after damaging her shoulder in an innocuous midfield collision.

England created several chances with Lucy Staniforth a constant threat out wide with her pace and crossing ability but Isobelle Christiansen scuffing her shot wide and Danielle Carter’s shot straight at Brazil goalkeeper Aline.

Brazil’s best moment of the first-half came when Juliana Cardozo let rip with a shot from nearly 40 metres out that rattled Lauren Davey’s crossbar.

The match burst into life with just twenty minutes remaining. A long ball found Jessica Holbrook in space and the composed midfielder played a useful ball through for Danielle Carter who slipped the ball past the advancing Aline to give England the lead on 71 minutes.

Brazil goalkeeper Aline was injured in the collision with Carter and replaced by Eduarda whose first job was to pick the ball out of the net after Lauren Bruton was played through by Isobel Christiansen on 75 minutes.

England capped off a wonderful start to the tournament when substitute Paige Eli danced through a tired Brazil defence before playing through a pass for Carter whose right foot finish curled beyond Eduarda to make it 3-0 on 88 minutes.

England coach Lois Ridler said the favourites tag had possibly worked in her team’s favour.

"We went into this game as underdogs, and I think people possibly underestimated us. I can’t fault the players, they prepared thoroughly for this game and deserved the win. Brazil are a fantastic side with loads of flair, and we’ve managed to get a great result against them today," Ridler said.

Brazil coach Marcos Gaspar said the first goal made a big difference to the outcome of the match.

"The game was very balanced, but after the first goal, the girls got a bit rattled. And to lose your No.10 (Beatriz)is never good, for a Brazilian side! But this competition is only starting, and we need to continue to think positively and make sure we are prepared for the next two games."

England faces Nigeria in their next match on Sunday 2 November knowing that another win will all but place them in the quarter-finals. Brazil meet Korea in what shapes as a must win encounter.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008

England (0) 3 (10. Danielle CARTER 71’, 89’, 16. Lauren BRUTON 75’)

Wellington Stadium

Attendance: 10795.

BRA: 1. ALINE [gk] (12. EDUARDA [rgk] 74’); 4. TUANI ©, 5. BRUNA, 6. RAFAELE, 7. THAIS, 9. RAQUEL, 10. BEATRIZ (18. JULIANA 19’), 11. FRANCIELE (20. ANA 56’), 14. FERNANDA, 15. JULIANA C., 17. KETLEN.

Substitutes Not Used: 2. THATIANE, 3. THAYNARA, 8. RAFAELA B., 13. CARINE, 16. TAIANA, 19. RAFAELA, 21. DANIELE [rgk].

Yellow cards: KETLEN 68’.

Red cards: None.

Coach: Marcos GASPAR (BRA)

ENG: 1. Lauren DAVEY [gk]; 2. Rachel DALY(12. Lucia BRONZE 69’), 3. Naomi CHADWICK, 4 Jessica HOLBROOK (19. Paige ELI 87’), 5. Jodie JACOBS, 6. Gemma BONNER, 8. Jordan NOBBS ©, 9. Danielle CARTER, 10. Isobel CHRISTIANSEN, 11. Lucy STANIFORTH (7. Rebecca JANE 61’), 16. Lauren BRUTON.

Substitutes Not Used:, 13. Amy CARR [rgk], 14. Stephanie MARSH, 15. Jemma ROSE, 17. Sarah WILTSHIRE, 18. Rachel PITMAN, 20. Kirsty LINNETT, 21. Juliana DRAYCOTT [rgk].

Yellow cards: 16. Lauren BRUTON 86’.

Red cards: None.

Coach: Lois RIDLER (ENG)

Referee: Michelle PYE (CAN)

Assistant Referee 1: Mayte CHAVEZ (MEX)

Assistant Referee 2: Emperatriz AYALA (SLV)

4th official: Quetzalli ALVARADO (MEX)

Image courtesy of Foto-net

Group D

Standings – 30.10.08