Brazil will be expected to prove their world renowned football pedigree yet again as they open their 2023 Women's World Cup against Panama on Monday.
The South American giants are a global women's football power, and while they are not amongst this year's top tournament favourites, it would be unwise to underestimate them, here or anywhere in the field.
While Brazil have only made the Women's World Cup final once and have yet to lift the trophy, the Selecao are at their best early in the tournament. Of teams to make at least three Women's World Cup tournaments, they are the lone nation to have won each and every one of their opening matches, outscoring opponents 23-1 in those games.
They have lost just one of their last 18 group stage matches at this competition, and have conceded in just one of their last 12. For 52nd-ranked Panama, playing in their first Women's World Cup, the task is lofty indeed.
Where to watch Brazil vs Panama in Women's World Cup 2023: Live stream, TV channel, lineups
Expecting Brazil to pummel anyone to this extent is a lofty goal, but Panama are ripe for the attack. The CONCACAF minnows were blasted by Spain 7-0 and Japan 5-0 in their warmup friendlies, themselves only able to muster six total shots combined across those two games while conceding 52.
Even in their 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the intercontinental playoff which sent Panama to this tournament, they were out-shot by the opponent. If they continue to see themselves carved to pieces, this quality Brazil side will pick them apart.
Given the disparity between these two countries, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see this game put to bed quickly.
Brazil clobbered Chile 4-0 in their World Cup warmup, with three of the goals coming before
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