France move top of Group F with thrilling win against Brazil in Women's World Cup

Brisbane:Wendie Renard popped up with a late winner as France came out on top in an enthralling Brisbane battle with Brazil.

The veteran defender’s trademark header sent Les Bleus top of Group F and settled a classic FIFA Women’s World Cup encounter in which Eugenie Le Sommer’s first-half opener had earlier been cancelled out by a coolly dispatched Debinha effort.

With Brazil brilliant in their opening-match win over Panama, and France lacklustre in a goalless draw with Jamaica, the South Americans had been widely expected to take the game to their European opponents. Instead, it was the French – full of energy and invention - who were on the front foot from an early stage, the FIFA reported.

Le Sommer was a constant danger to the Brazilian backline and had already forced Leticia into a brilliant save by the time she nodded France in front from a near-identical position. Kadidiatou Diani won the first header, towering above Tamires to knock Sakina Karchaoui’s deep, floated cross back into the middle, and Le Sommer – showing her well-honed striker's instinct - ghosted into space to glance the ball home.

The goal was no more than France deserved but, while the first half belonged to Les Bleues, the second saw Brazil come roaring back. The only thing lacking in their play was a composed final touch, and Debinha provided that on 58 minutes, taking control of a deflected Kerolin shot,

assessing the angles and slotting home her first-ever Women’s World Cup goal.

But just as Brazil thought they had claimed a hard-earned draw, the importance of set pieces was once again reinforced in the game’s decisive moment. Renard – one of the game’s greatest-ever in such situations - strode forward for a corner, snuck in at the back post and directed a floated Selma Bacha corner down and into the far corner of the net.

It was a goal that broke Brazilian hearts and took France to the summit of Group F, one point clear of their beaten opponents.(UNI)<>