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Brazil Edge Ferns In Algarve Cup Opener
by Jeremy Ruane
Brazil edged the Football Ferns 1-0 in their opening Algarve Cup encounter in Lagos on March 2, as both nations continued their respective preparations for the forthcoming Olympic Women's Football Tournament which Brazil will host in August.
Andressa Alves and Tamires combined for an early chance which Erin Nayler kept out, while Debinha headed wide soon after before opening the scoring half-way through the first half.
"Las Canarinhas" were good value for their lead against a team missing the injured Ali Riley, and could have gone to the break two goals to the good when Aimee Phillips was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball in the box in the shadows of the half-time whistle.
But Nayler saved Andressa Alves' penalty to give her team a real boost heading into the second half, one which they confirmed by a dominant display, with Brazilian custodian Barbara called upon three times before the hour mark had arrived.
It wasn't all New Zealand, however. Marta twice threatened, but Nayler denied her on both occasions, and also kept out an effort from substitute Bia. But Tony Readings' side had the better of the exchanges in the second spell, and half-time substitute Rosie White was only denied what would have been a deserved equaliser in the last ten minutes by some desperate Brazilian defending.
The other match in the group saw Daria Makarenko's 58th minute goal give Russia a 1-0 win over host nation Portugal. In the other group, Nadia Nadim netted in the 55th minute to give Denmark a 1-0 win over Canada, while Iceland edged Belgium 2-1 thanks to Dagny Brynjarsdottir's injury time winner.
On Saturday, the Football Ferns take on Russia in Parchal at 7.30am NZ time, while Brazil and Portugal meet at the Vila Real Santo Antonio from 6am. In Group A action, Canada and Belgium clash, while it's an all-Scandinavian affair as Matchday One winners Denmark and Iceland lock horns.
Brazil: Barbara; Fabiana, Rafaelle, Thaisa, Monica; Debinha (Thais), Formiga, Tamires, Andressa Alves; Marta, Cristiana (Bia)
F'ball Ferns: Nayler; Bowen, Stott, Erceg, Percival; Yallop (Hassett 66), Duncan, Hearn, Longo; Phillips (White, 46), Gregorius (Pereira, 78)
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