I was lucky enough to be at Wembley last night to watch Team GBs final group game against Brazil. The stadium was packed with almost 70,000 people and the atmosphere was incredible.
Brazil’s team was led by the best female player in the world Martha and they were strong favourites going into the match. Martha is the Lionel Messi of the women’s game with a better than a goal a game ratio. Both teams had won their first two games in the tournament. Brazil thrashing Cameroon 5-0.
Although both teams had already qualified the match was still very important. The loser would have to face a very difficult match in the quarter finals against world champions Japan.
It was an incredible start as Karen Carney did brilliantly to slip away from two Brazilian defenders and played a ball through to Steph Houghton who collected the ball and managed to dink it past the goalkeeper. She smashed the ball into the net from what seemed an impossible angle right in front of us. Incredibly it was the third goal of the tournament for left back Houghton.
As expected the Brazilians responded with some good possession and skill but GB largely restricted them to long range shots which never really threatened. However Brazil did hit the post with a header late in the first half.
After the break Team GB were by far the best team. After a lovely move Eniola Aluko broke clear and looked certain to score until she was cynically taken down by a Brazilian defender in the penalty area. The Brazilian escaped with a yellow card. Smith’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Anderia and GB’s lead remained at 1-0.
Through the rest of the second half Team GB were the better team. Scottish star Kim Little was particularly good. Brazil had a few chances on the break but Team GB’s defence was fantastic in the 2nd half and they snuffed out any potential threats.
In frustration the Brazilian players lashed out and there were some bad challenges in what was a physical contest.
When the final whistle went a huge cheer went up around Wembley. It had been an incredible performance and the crowd were ecstatic. I was so glad to have been able to experience it. This was by far the highest quality women’s football match I have ever seen. Let’s hope Team GB can keep it up in the next round against Canada.