The Brazilians have never beaten France in women’s football. Before their Women’s World Cup group stage clash in Brisbane, the record between the heavyweights read six wins to Les Bleues and five draws.
If that was ever to change, Saturday night’sencounter offered much promise. Brazil had been buoyed by a comfortable opening win over Panama, while France struggled in a goalless draw with Jamaica, having earlier lost to co-hosts Australia in a pre-tournament warm-up. Brisbane Stadium might as well have been in Brazil – 49,378 predominantly yellow-clad fans cheering on the Seleção. All the pressure was on France – and how they responded.