The Women’s World Cup is in full swing. Among the 11 newcomers of the Brazilian National Team in this World Cup, is Lauren. The 20-year-old defender made her debut last Monday (24th), in the first challenge of the group stage, in which Brazil faced Panama and won 4-0.
Despite having extensive experience in youth competitions and being a constant figure in coach Pia Sundhage’s calls, Lauren revealed that debuting in the World Cup has a different weight. However, the support and presence of the Brazilian crowd at the Hindmarsh stadium was essential to help reduce the nervousness.
“The day before, I really was a little more nervous, but on the day of the game, I followed my usual rituals that I usually do before each match, as I do in other games. I think that calmed me down a little. But getting on the field , going in for the warm-up and seeing that the stadium was almost all Brazilian, it was green and yellow, it made it a lot easier. We could feel a little bit of Brazil, feel at home and that made me much more comfortable”, she revealed.
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The mix of experienced athletes with newcomers has been one of the key points of Sundhage’s call-ups during the national team’s renewal process, which allowed Lauren to share the lawns with one of her references in football: defender Rafaelle.
“Rafaelle is a reference for me, for Brazilian football and world football. She is an excellent player, and having this exchange with her is very positive for me. She is a very experienced defender. It’s really good to be there with her, in the game and in training too, when we’re in a pair, we communicate a lot and understand each other a lot, that’s very positive.”
Looking to the future, the defender shared her expectations for Brazil’s next clash, which will be against France, fifth in the FIFA rankings. So far, Canarinho still hasn’t managed to beat the Europeans in official competitions, but the current leader of group F is determined to change that fate next Saturday.
“France is a very strong team, one of the top teams in the world, but our team is also a very strong team. it will be a very tough game, which will be resolved in the offensive and defensive details, but we have all the conditions to play a great game and come out with the victory”, he stated confidently.
Canarinho faces the French next Saturday (29), at 7 am (Brasília time) in Brisbane (AUS).
