In their final friendly before the Tokyo Olympics, the Brazilian women’s team defeated Russia 3-0 in Cartagena, Spain, with two goals from Bruna Benites and one from Andressa Alves.
Brazil took hold of the game with a strong defensive performance on the pitch, allowing only two shots from their opponents in 90 minutes.
Before the start of the game, and a week after the removal of CBF president Rogério Caboclo, who was accused of such behaviour, the players declared a united stand against sexual harassment.
“It was a group choice; we have a committee that is highly supportive of the athletes, so we chose to voice our concerns. We certainly oppose any forms of harassment. The data are there to be counted without making pre-judgments, but we needed to demonstrate our viewpoint ” Marta said after the game.
The CBF Ethics Commission alerted Rogério Caboclo on Friday, giving him 15 days to provide his defence.
With the Brazilian team debuting in the Olympic on July 21 against China, they displayed a distinct repertoire from the start: showing a lot of marking, and preventing Russia from even approaching their 18-yard box.
Brazil’s patience was rewarded in minute 41, when Andressinha took a left-footed corner kick that deflected off Ludmila, allowing Bruna Benites to get to the end of it and lash the ball into the net.
Due to thigh discomfort, Formiga had to give way to Julia Bianchi after the break. Pia made two further changes, removing Poliana and Adriana and substituting Andressa Alves, Jucinara, and Giovana Queiroz.
With the replacements, Brazil’s attacking performance improved, they had more shots on goal, and they eventually scored more goals to secure their victory.
Andressa Alves’ presence changed the game: she took the corner for Bruna Benites to score in the 69th minute and completed up the scoring with an excellent individual strike late in the 81st minute.
It marked yet another impressive result for Pia Sundhage and company as they now prepare for the Olympics just around the corner.
