Brazil survives late Spanish surge to clinch knockout round spot
Brazil became the second team to clinch a spot in the Women's World Cup knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over Spain in Montreal on Saturday. The three points were well deserved as Andressa Alves' 44th-minute goal ended up being the difference, but the win didn't come without some nervous moments in stoppage time.
First, Spanish star Vero Boquete was played into space and had an open look at goal, but she opted to move the ball onto her left foot before shooting. That gave Brazil's defense enough time to sprint back and smother Boquete and regain possession.
Great work by Meseguer, she slips it through for Vero who's clear. Checks back onto her left & crowded out. What a chance for Spain.
— Eoin O'Callaghan (@EoinOCallaghan) June 13, 2015
The closest call came just moments later when Irine Paredes beat Brazil goalkeeper Luciana but had her right-footed shot crash off the post.
Surviving the late drama allowed Brazil coach Vadao to rest easy. His side now sits comfortably atop Group E and can clinch first place if Costa Rica doesn't beat South Korea on Saturday night.
