In the second game of Group C, Brazil put in a dominate performance and secured a three-nil win thanks to a hat-trick by Cristiane. Debinha, the only North Carolina Courage playing on Sunday morning, also played a key role in Brazil’s performance.

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Debinha stymied by Schneider in the first half

For most of the game, Brazil were in control and managed to get behind Jamaica’s defense on multiple occasions. The scoreline could have been much more emphatic had it not been for Jamaica’s 19-year old goalkeeper, Sydney Schneider. Debinha played the full 90 for Brazil and was active throughout the game despite not getting on the score sheet. Her best chance to get on the score sheet came in the eighth minute of the game when she was played through on goal only for Schneider to win the one-on-one contest. Debinha got to the rebound but could not put enough power in her shot to beat the goalkeeper a second time. Debinha then had another one-on-one against Schneider midway through the first half but the Jamaican goalkeeper came out on top again.

Marta’s absence was a blessing in disguise for Debinha

Due to Marta being relegated to the bench, Debinha was allowed to shine in a way she usually does not for Brazil. When Marta is available, Debinha does not always get to start games for her country so this was an opportunity for the Courage midfielder to make her claim as a starter for the rest of the World Cup. Debinha played in a way that most Courage fans will recognize as she had the freedom to roam and pick out pockets of space to try and score goals for her team. She may not have been able to do so this time against Jamaica but if she continues to play like that, Brazil may not have to rely on Marta so heavily as the tournament progresses.

Brazil face Australia next and they have not managed to beat the Australians recently. With such a commanding hold on top spot in Group C, this would be the perfect opportunity for Brazil to book their place in the Round of 16 if they can get the win on Thursday.