FIFA Women's World Cup: Skipper Wendie Renard gives France vital 2-1 win over Brazil
Captain Wendie Renard headed in a late winner as France kickstarted their Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Brazil in a heavyweight clash in Brisbane on Saturday.
After a lacklustre 0-0 with Jamaica in their opening game, France defied the Brazilian team and most of the 49,378 crowd to secure three vital points ahead of their final group match against tournament debutants Panama.
France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, controlled much of the game and took the lead in the 17th minute through veteran striker Eugenie Le Sommer with her 90th goal in 191 appearances.
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Brazil hit back in the second half through Debinha, but the 33-year-old defender Renard appeared at the back post to head in an 83rd-minute winner from a corner.
French manager Herve Renard — no relation to his captain — said he was always confident France would bounce back from the draw against Jamaica.
«In their preparation they were focused and really concentrating on the match, so I knew they would get back on track,» he said of his side.
«Sometimes it's good to get off to a shaky start at a tournament like this as it makes you more determined.
»Our objective is still to finish on top of the group so we need to keep this mindset for our next game."
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Brazil disappointBrazil were scintillating in thrashing Panama 4-0 to open their World Cup.
Ary Borges hit a hat-trick in that big win, but she and her team never hit those heights on a perfect Brisbane evening.
Coach Pia Sundhage conceded her team had been outplayed, especially in the first half.
«We'd been well prepared leading up to the game. Everything had been good, but I could not make
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