Brazil wants to finally quench their thirst for winning the Women’s World Cup in 2023 as a gift to their star forward Marta in her last-ever tournament. The Selecao would love to triumph in this edition knowing some of the other veteran stars in the squad will not be there in 2027. Pia Sundhage will be using her Women’s World Cup winning experience with USA as their manager to guide her present side to the promised land. Brazil already won the Copa America under her guidance last year, their eighth title out of nine tournaments.
History
Brazil have participated in every FIFA Women’s World Cup since its inauguration in 1991. However, they have never managed to win the tournament. The closest the Female Canaries came was in 2007 in
China when they were beaten in the final by Germany. In the previous two editions, Brazil’s journey ended in the round of 16 which has been their lowest standing in the tournament since 1995. Marta is the all-time record goal-scorer of the tournament having bagged an outstanding 17 goals. She was particularly brilliant in the 2007 edition as well taking the Golden Boot by smashing seven goals in a single edition and also winning the Golden Ball, the award for the best player.
Previous Tournament
The group stages of the 2019 edition in France were a tough one for the Selecao. They were drafted in a so-called ‘group of death’ with Australia and Italy. Brazil finished third behind the pair, with the same points, with the Azzurri topping it. They qualified for being the best third-place side in the tournament having scored fewer goals than the other two which made the difference. After opening the tournament with a 3-0 win over Jamaica, Brazil lost a 3-2 thriller to Matildas before securing a 1-0 victory over Italy. In the last 16, France was the opponent in a dramatic game which needed extra time to decide it. Valerie Gauvin gave Les Bleus the lead in the 52nd minute only for Thaisa to level the scoring past the hour mark. Amandine Henry then came with the cracking winner in the 107th minute of the game.
Preparation for Women’s World Cup
Brazil took part in the SheBelieves Cup in the United States in February. The Selecao came third managing only one win against Japan and suffering defeat to the United States and Canada. Sundhage’s side also lost the inaugural Finalissima to England at Wembley in a penalty shootout after Andressa Alves equalized in the dying moments to cancel out Ella Toone’s opener for the hosts in the first half. Everything is not grim ahead of the event in Australia and New Zealand as Brazil put up a good performance in beating Euro 2022 finalists Germany 2-1 two months ago. They will take on Chile for the last preparatory friendly on 2nd July 2023 in Brasilia.
Brazil Squad for 2023 Women’s World Cup
Goalkeepers: Leticia Izidore (Corinthians), Camila (Santos), Barbara (Flamengo)
Defenders: Antonia (Levante), Bruninha (Gotham FC), Kathellen (Real Madrid), Lauren, Monica (Madrid CFF), Rafaelle Souza, Tamires (Corinthians)
Midfielders: Duda Sampaio (Corinthians), Kerolin (North Carolina Courage), Luana (Corinthians), Adriana Silva (Orlando Pride), Ana Vitoria, Ary Borges (Racing Louisville)
Forwards: Geyse (Barcelona), Andressa Alves (Roma), Nycole (Benfica), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Gabi Nunes, Debinha (Kansas City), Marta (Orlando Pride)
Head Coach: Pia Sundhage
Brazil’s living legend Marta will make her sixth Women’s World Cup appearance and her last at the age of 37. She is also the highest-ever goal-scorer in tournament history for both men and women and will like to add to her tally in Australia and New Zealand. Another star attacker, Debinha is in scoring form with her NWSL side Kansas City. Both Marta and Debinha have made over 300 appearances for the country. The forward line looks stacked with Geyse of Barcelona and Alves of Roma providing additional threat upfront. There are 11 players in the squad who will be making their debut in the competition.
Strength
As usual, Brazil are bringing a lot of talent to the 2023 Women’s World Cup and has a much more youthful look to their side aside from the obvious experience. Strong contingent in every position on the field and with required depth makes them a team to think of. The frontline is also one of the best in the tournament. The Selecao have good composure in the squad that will aid them in the tournament.
Weakness
The yellow shirts are no more at their peak years. Aside from winning against Germany which will give them confidence, Brazil have not done well against top European sides. While their solidity works at times, solely relying on counters does not acquire the necessary results at every moment either. The Selecao will be at their best if they play their stylish football as well as being productive.
Key Player: Debinha
Marta remains the crucial player for Brazil but her lack of match time due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury will mostly keep her on the bench. The Brazil team are also without star forward Cristiane, so the responsibility falls on Debinha’s shoulders to deliver. She will be assisted in her work by the others in the attacking department but the Kansas City forward looks to be the real source of goals for Brazil. Along with her, Rafaelle Souza's contribution at the back will be immense for the team to go further into the competition.
How will Brazil Lineup at the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
Against Panama or Jamaica, Brazil will be open but a defensively compact 4-4-2 is expected against France and high-quality oppositions in the knockouts. The versatility of Kerolin, Debinha, Adriana etc. will be key to the side for trying out different formations and styles according to the strength of their counterpart. Having just returned from injury and for her age, Marta will not be starting every game. Roma player Andressa Alves will also be an impact player from the bench.
Brazil Women’s World Cup Fixtures
Monday, 24th July 2023
Brazil vs Panama - Hindmarsh Stadium. Adelaide
Thursday, 29th July 2023
France vs Brazil - Lang Park, Brisbane
Sunday, 2nd August 2023
Jamaica vs Brazil - AAMI Park, Melbourne
Brazil open their Women’s World Cup campaign against debutants Panama on 24th July 2023. Four days later, they will be locking horns with France to seek revenge for their round of 16 exit four years back. The game will also serve as a group decider as the Copa America winners are expected to beat Jamaica in the final group match on 2nd August 2023. Topping the group will hand them comparatively easy opponents in the next round. Otherwise, they will face the daunting prospect of playing Germany who is expected to win Group E.
Prediction
Brazil is among the tournament favourites although the eighth-ranked nation has not kept up with the speed of progress other nations, particularly Europe, have done. That combined with the Selecao entering a transitional phase with legends of the game retiring, it will take a lot out of the side to reach the final of the tournament. Irrespective of the talent in the squad. Another last 16 or quarterfinal stage is within achievable limits for the team.
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