Womens 2007 World Cup; match 24

Group D, 20/9/07 in Hangzhou.

Brazil v. Denmark

Brazil: Andreia, Simone, Monica, Elaine, Tania, Ester, Formiga, Daniela (Rosana 88), Maycon, Marta, Cristiane (Pretinha 61).

Denmark: H.Johansen, C.Orntoft, K.Pedersen, G.Andersen, M.Olsen, M.Gajhede (M.Pedersen 79), C.Paaske Sorensen, A.Dot Eggers Nielsen, J.Rydahl Bukh (S.Dimun 65), C.Sand (J.Rasmussen 65), M.Pape.

Denmark needed to win this one to progress whereas Brazil were almost certainly through come what may. It quickly became obvious that the Danes would have to soak up a lot of pressure and strike on the break if they were going to achieve their objective.

Despite having little possession it was Denmark who created the first clear chance, however. Christina Orntoft moved forward from right back to send in a deep cross which was watched by the Brazilian defence and found Maiken Pape in front of goal.

It looked a certain goal but Andreia reacted superbly to palm Pape's header away to safety.

Catherine Paaske Sorensen also got forward to try her luck from 25 yards but the effort was always rising and did not worry Andreia.

The rest of the half saw Brazil trying to break down the Danish defence but being restricted, in the main, to long range efforts.

Daniela went down with no encouragement to win her side a free kick in a dangerous position but Formiga's effort was wide of the mark and Cristiane was also the wrong side of the post with a shot on the turn from the edge of the box as a ball broke loose to her.

Marta looked lively without truly hurting the Danish defence but when the Danes gifted possession to their opponents around the halfway line Brazil's star player was quickly racing into the penalty area.

Marta carried the ball almost all the way to the goalline before sending in a cross shot that rebounded from the outside of the post to safety.

Marta was eager to try her luck from any distance after the break and forced two decent saves out of Heidi Johansen from just outside the box and then further out.

Johansen made a better save to deny Daniela after she had linked well with Marta to work an opening inside the box and still Denmark were in with a chance of snatching something on the break.

Johanna Rasmussen came on as a sub to try her luck from 25 yards and her beautifully struck effort grazed the far post on its' way behind.

Brazil responded with Maycon bursting from inside her own half to the dead ball line before squaring a great ball across the six yard box but there was nobody in position to take advantage.

The best move of the match saw Brazil sweep through the Danish defence to offer Daniela with another chance but Johansen was down sharply to keep the effort out. With Denmark trying to push players forward, however, Brazil finally clinched victory with a goal right at the end.

Elaine intercepted a tired pass in midfield and chipped the ball to the far post where Pretinha was completely unmarked to lob over the onrushing keeper.

Denmark had battled bravely but ended up counting the cost of their unfortunate defeat against China.

Brazil march on with the only 100% record from the group stages and a favourable quarter final tie in the offing.

Full Time: Brazil 1 Denmark 0