The Papua New Guinea U-20 Women’s team went down to a tough opponent in their first opening pool match yesterday.
Brazil showed no mercy with a record-equaling 9-0 win at a packed Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
A vocal, energetic and buoyant home crowd got behind PNG, but Brazil showed little mercy to their inexperienced opponents, with just six minutes into play before striker Duda found the back of the net.
PNG, playing a more defensive pattern in four-four-two, hoping to keep the Brazilians at bay. But couldn’t contain the onslaught from their forwards. Gabi Nunes in the 11th minute.
The show of impressive skills from Brazilian midfielder Brena in the 17th minute left the crowd in awe.
Brena got her second of the night from a penalty by Geyse who was brought down in the penalty box by PNG’ Belinda Giada.
The South American heavyweights scored within six minutes and raced to a four-goal advantage in the 24th minute mark.
The match continued with doubles Gabi Nunes and Yasmin and forward Geyse and Katrine also were on the score sheet.
Despite the scoreline, PNG fans were wildly enthusiastic whenever the home team were in possession.
PNG’s lone striker, Ramona Padio, was brought in the second-half and there were occasional long balls that threatened, while midfielder, Nicollette Ageva, got the crowd on their feet when her cross briefly threatened to sneak in at the back post.
The one-sided affair continued after the interval, which led to Brazil eventually equaling the previous record score set by Korea DPR with their 9-0 win over Argentina four years ago.
