Hamilton, ON, Canada
A conservative crowd of only a couple thousand watched as Brazil’s women, led by Cristiane Rozeira, defeated Ecuador 7-1 in their Group B match at the 2015 Pan-Am Games.
Despite the first half being dominated by the Brazilians who controlled much of the play, Ecuador scored first with a goal by Denise Pesantes (5′).
Though there were other, albeit brief, spells of Ecuadorian possession, Brazil finally found a way through with a goal (18′) from Monica Hickmann. The 28-year-old has featured 25 times for Brazil since 2014. After Monica’s strike, it was all Cristiane.
Finding the back of the net five times, once in the first half and four times in the second, one of Brazil’s top talents put on a clinic in front of goal. Cristiane, who was instrumental in her team winning the Copa America in 2014, plays club football for Centro Olimpico.
The statistics confirm Brazilian dominance as they held 65% possession, more than that in second half, with Ecuador finding it more than difficult to clear half. Brazil had a huge advantage in shots with 25 (19 on goal) to Ecuador’s four (one on goal).
Next up for Brazil is a match with host nation Canada on Sunday night, which should prove to be a better test for the Brazilians. Ecuador will face Costa Rica, which will be an important match for both sides in finishing at or near the top of Group B.
Centro Olimpico is a Brazilian club based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Founded just 15 years ago initially as a youth team, the team has had great success with several important signings including Cristiane, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro and finishing as runners-up in the Copa do Brasil and in the Campeonato Paulista.
Main image credit:
