Brazil was clinical in opening its bid for the team’s first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup, beating South Korea 2-0 as two of their most polarizing players led the charge. But Spain offers quite a stylistic challenge with their tiki-taka style capable of keeping the ball away from Brazil’s hot boots.
Think the Brazilians take another victory? Or will Spain turn some heads with an upset? Read on as we break down this intriguing match.
A pair of records was set when Brazil won its World Cup opener against South Korea. Formiga became the oldest ever player to score a goal in the FIFA Women’s World Cup when her first half strike found its way to the back of the South Korea net. Marta then became the highest goal-scorer in tournament history, netting her 15th World Cup goal from the penalty spot in the second half.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The two are already tough outs with their goal-scoring prowess., but Brazil should be even more dangerous with plenty of threats in its roster. Fabiana is a capable scorer from right back with six goals on 53 caps. She should be able to stretch out defenders while setting her teammates to take open shots. Meanwhile, Andressa and Cristiane each had three shots against South Korea.
A Selecao thrives when they can control possession of the ball to put the pressure on opposing defenses. Brazil controlled possession of the ball 62 percent of their match against South Korea. Dominating possession will be even more crucial in this upcoming match against Spain. The Spaniards have a tricky offense, emphasizing multiple short passes to open up defenses.
Brazil is unbeaten in four of its six matches in 2015.
Betting on Spain
Sonia Bermudez delivered the ball into the penalty area after receiving a short corner and Vicky Losada scored Spain’s first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal. But the Spanish celebrations were short-lived as Costa Rica scored an equalizer just a minute later. Those proved to be the only two goals of a 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
Still, Losada’s technical ability will be a threat against a sketchy Brazilian defense. Prior to its World Cup opener, A Selecao was thrashed 4-0 in a friendly against Germany. Spain should have plenty of opportunities to test Brazil’s defense if they can dominate possession using their tricky tiki-taka style.
Spain’s intricate passing should help them keep the ball away from Marta and Brazil’s high-powered offense. La Roja can’t afford to allow scoring opportunities against the Brazilians’ talented forwards. Spain conceded just three shots (two on goal) against Costa Rica.
Keeping possession away from Brazil should also allow Spain to have plenty of scoring opportunities. La Roja finished their first match with 19 shots (seven on goal). Captain Veronica Boquete created plenty of opportunities for her teammates but was held to just one shot on goal. If Spain is to win its first ever World Cup match, it’ll come from Boquete’s boot. She leads the team with 29 international goals.
Spain is undefeated in 2015 with two victories and four draws.
Writer’s Prediction
Another strong showing from Marta sends Brazil to victory. Create a betting account now and get in on red-hot World Cup action.
