The Brazilian women’s national football team suffered a painful comeback from Japan, who countered Jheniffer Cordinali’s goal at the start of the second half with goals from Saki Kumagai, from a penalty (m.92), and Momoko Tanikawa (m.96).
Brazil had within reach of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games if they beat Japan, who visited Paris in need of a victory after Spain took revenge for the World Cup match with a comeback, but they could not beat ‘Nadeshiko’s’ team, who believed until the end and are now tied on points (3) with the Brazilians in Group C.
The match began with Brazil taking the initiative, while Japan felt comfortable and took advantage of every ball to counterattack. Despite Brazil’s dominance, Arthur Elias’ players needed to be more precise in the area.
The most dangerous chances began to come after half an hour. Angelina had a weak shot and Yamashita was able to easily save the chance, while Tanaka headed a good cross wide after a free kick. Gasegawa also tried, but Lorena saved the chance.
Key penalty
As time was running out, a handball by Rafaella in the area put Brazil under pressure, as they were struggling in defence. In the 47th minute, Tanaka stepped up to the penalty spot and made herself small. The shot was weak and low, giving Lorena the chance to catch the ball and go into the break tied.
After the break, Arthur Elias made three changes: Jheniffer, Ludmila and Tarciane. And they worked. Marta, who was playing her 200th game for Brazil, won the ball in her own half, made a precise long pass between the lines to Ludmila, who passed the ball with a nutmeg to Jheniffer and she scored the 1-0 in the 46th minute and kissed the badge.
Brazil had several scares with three short passes from Lorena, but Japan was not at all accurate. In the 82nd minute, Minami got the ball from a free kick, but her header also went wide.
Japanese capitalized on chances
The Japanese team failed to capitalise on their opportunities and, once again, when it seemed that the match was coming to an end, Japan had another chance from the penalty spot, and eight minutes of added time to seek victory.
Kumagai did not fail. The captain deceived Lorena and tied the match in the 92nd minute to rescue a point for her country. But there was still time left and Tanikawa came back and sealed the comeback with a right-footed shot taking advantage of a lapse in the Brazilian defence.
The Japanese saw Lorena ahead and did not hesitate to unleash madness on the Japanese team, which is in the midst of Group C of the Olympic tournament.
Paris / EFE
#Japan #Brazil #goals #added #time
2024-07-29 00:11:15
