Women's World Cup: France’s Wendie blows Brazil away for 2-1 result

Wendie Renard

Captain Wendie Renard struck a late winner as France kickstarted their Women's World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Brazil in a heavyweight Group F clash here on Saturday.

After a lacklustre 0-0 draw 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.

The French, who controlled much of the game, took an early lead through veteran striker Eugenie Le Sommer. Brazil hit back to equalise in the second half through Debinha, but Renard appeared at the back post to head in an 83rd-minute winner from a corner.

Meanwhile, Sweden barrelled into the Women's World Cup last 16 with a 5-0 demolition of Italy on Saturday. Three goals in seven minutes in the first half did the damage as Italy struggled to deal with Sweden's set pieces and aerial threat. Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt scored twice - both headers - with Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius and Rebecka Blomqvist also on the scoresheet.

In another match, Jamaica won a match for the first time with a deserved 1-0 victory over debutants Panama on Saturday to close on a place in the last 16. Skipper Allyson Swaby headed in from a corner early in the second half to give Jamaica their first victory at a World Cup at the fifth attempt.

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