As soon as she scored his first goal against Panama, Ary Borges started to cry. Seconds later, with tears still on her face, she called Kerolin to a dance step in the Adelaide stadium.
The meeting between emotion and irreverence is a good image of the new generation of the Brazilian team. A crop of players full of talent and personality, as seen in Brazil"s 4-0 victory in their Women"s World Cup debut.
From the starting team, six players made their World Cup debuts: Letícia, Antonia, Lauren, Ary Borges, Adriana and Kerolin. The number helps translate the renewal imposed by Pia Sundhage during a four-year cycle at the helm of the national team. It"s a renewed team, on the ball and in the breath.
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Brazil did not stop during the game. The pace of their players up front dictated the high pressure of the national team, which recovered many balls and restricted Panama to 25% possession for the entire match.
When analyzing actions on the field, Pia admitted that she was afraid of the high number of inexperienced players she had chosen to start. But decided to bet on them anyway.
“I didn"t know exactly what to expect, because some young and inexperienced players had never participated in the World Cup. I"m proud of the way they played, it"s important to look at this game and be calm", said the coach.
It"s not just on the field that the mix between youth and experience works for Brazil. The energy of players like Antonia, Ary and Kerolin spread throughout the group. Off the pitch, they are responsible for shaking up the locker room with smiles, songs and dances.
“I am happy that they have embraced this way of playing. Ary scored three goals and was involved in a fourth, she has field coverage that helps this team a lot, apart from that she is a happy person, it is a contagious joy", said Pia .
“It"s great to have this mix, we know that this is very important. It will add a lot on the field. The best thing that could happen is this fusion between experience and youth", revealed Antonia, before the debut.
Antonia, Ary and Kerolin"s games reach different groups within the same cast. From the most experienced, like Marta and Tamires, to the youngest, like Lauren and Aline, they all end up getting involved in the trio"s fun.
“There"s a serious time and there"s a play time. Regardless of the age difference, we manage to differentiate that. When it"s serious, when you can play and have fun. It"s been a very good environment," said, laughing, the goalkeeper Letícia Izidoro, who is in her third World Cup, but played her first World Cup match against Panama.
“The girls who make this mess, add to the locker room and group environment too."
This spirit turns into rapport and collectivity. The players exchange quick passes and understand each other on the field, as in the third goal for Brazil, scored by Bia Zaneratto. The two most ingenious touches of the move came from Adriana and Ary"s improvisation.
None of the newcomers, though, compare to Lauren. The youngest in the squad, the defender was chosen by Pia in the starting lineup right on her debut, in a decision that took many fans by surprise.
The defender was part of the team that competed in the U-20 Women"s World Cup in 2022, and had a great performance against Panama. Alongside Rafaelle, she formed a safe and daring duo, without feeling the weight of the match.
At the post-match press conference, Pia made it clear that age and lack of experience were minor factors in the fight for a place in the team.
“Lauren had a great performance, she was one of the best [in training]. It was easy to choose Lauren."
