The Brazilian team had its fourteenth participation in the World Cup held in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ‘Las Leonas’ were part of Group G where they faced Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and fell to Spain by only two goals difference. These results allowed them to advance to the Main Round, where they only lost against the Netherlands, but it was not enough for them to reach the quarterfinals, finishing in 9th position.
Those led by Cristiano Da Rocha Silva, started the competition on the right foot. ‘Las Leonas’ won solidly against Ukraine 35-20. Two days later, they secured their place in the Main Round, after beating Kazakhstan 46-15, this result being the highest number of goals scored by Brazil in World Cup history.
Brazil was only missing one rival to qualify as leader of Group G, Spain. Both teams had won their first 2 games and were in search of first place in the table to the next round. The game featured the goalkeepers of both teams, an even match was played from start to finish, but the victory went to Spain 27-25.
After the defeat, Brazil went to the Main Round with 2 points. The turn came to face the Netherlands, with whom they suffered a new defeat 35-27.
Once again they met again to compete in the South American classic. Brazil vs Argentina, the Verdeamarela suffered the loss of one of its top scorers, Ana Paula Rodrigues, but this did not prevent them from beating La Garra 33-19.
After the victory, the Cariocas were obliged to beat the Czech Republic by at least 6 goals and thus keep alive the dream of advancing to the quarterfinals. With a good defensive display, Brazil forced the Czech Republic to make mistakes and thus took the lead on the scoreboard, but it was not enough.
Brazil could not extend the distance in the score, despite the 30-27 victory, it was not enough to advance to the next round and they finished in ninth position.
Gabriela Moreschi, goalkeeper of the Brazil national team: “I think there were many positive things and many things that we are also going to learn from for our next match and for the following ones. We have a lot of new players coming into the team now and I think they have done an excellent job. So that was very important for us, integrating the team so that we get to know each other a little better. So I think on and off the court it was a very positive experience.”
Photo: IHF
