Women's World Cup: Brazil Eliminates Costa Rica

Brazil advanced to the knockout phase after 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the Group E of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada.

Costa Rica’s efforts of making it to the next stage vaporized when Brazil’s Raquel Fernandes scored a goal in the late period of the match. Brazil, having a perfect record of nine points in three games, rested several key players including football star Marta, but still able to came up with the win.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Dinnia Diaz appeared set to preserve a third successive draw, but Fernandes' winning goal gave Brazil the win. Despite resting key players, Brazil still managed the offensives of a desperate Las Tica.

Costa Rica coach Amelia Valverde deployed Karla Villalobos, the team’s top scorer, at the 72nd mark. Villalobos tried to stir Las Tica to force a draw getting golden chances to score an equalizer, but the offensive plays ended with wide shots and some caught by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana.

The Cost Rican squad became more desperate to tie the game when coach Valverde sent her players to the front in search for a score that can save their campaign in this year’s Women’s World Cup. Raquel Rodriguez, Melissa Herrera and team captain Shirley Cruz attempted to give Las Tica a score, but failed to convert from a superb Brazilian defence.

Read also: South Korea Defeats Spain, Advances To KO Stage

Brazil, a team that did not allow any goals in their group match, will face on Sunday an Australia team looming in confidence after forcing a stalemate against Sweden. Marta will be back in the starting lineup against Matildas, and have said that she is ready to inspire the team.

"I will continue fighting, as I always did. I will do everything possible to try to return to Brazil with the expected results," the superstar forward said via zeenews.

Meanwhile, thousands of fans, who did not see Brazil superstar Marta played, were left disappointed at the Moncton Stadium. Fans chanted ‘We want Marta’, but Brazil head coach Vadao knew there’s a tough competition ahead and needed to rest key players for the next round.

"Australia are a very competitive team, very intense players. We`re going to face a very strong rival. It`s sudden death and we can`t afford any mistakes. We have to fine tune and every detail is going to be very important,” said Vadao.