New Zealand fight but Brazil progress

Brazil came out on top in an enthralling 4-3 win over New Zealand in Baku that saw the South Americans through to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup quarter-finals, but not comfortably. New Zealand were straight out of the blocks, Martine Puketapu forcing Nicole into a low save to her left. From the resulting corner, though, Laura Merrin’s inswinger caused mayhem and Emily Jensen headed their first goal of the tournament after just four minutes. Byanca came close with Brazil’s first meaningful effort, firing fiercely into the side-netting. She was only denied for 40 seconds, though, nipping in between the defence and curling an effort into the far top corner. Brazil had one cleared off the line before they then took the lead in stunning style, after Byanca’s cross found its way to Brena. With time in hand, she teed the ball up on her thigh then volleyed home superbly into the left top corner. Brazil looked to be disappearing into the distance after Meikayla Moore brought down Chaiane in the area, with Andressa narrowly scoring. But right before half-time New Zealand found hope when Ana Clara turned in Megan Lee’s cross to bring them within one. However Camilla restored the two-goal advantage, catching Alfeld unusually out of position to score from 20 yards out. Puketapu gave the Oceanic side hope of a comeback, confidently stroking past Nicole on 77 mins, but time was running out. With Brazil knowing a draw would suffice, they soaked up the pressure and saw out the game. The quote "The world cup was always going to be such a big challenge for us because we had such a host of good teams in our group, it was very tough. We always had ambitions to do our best and get out of the group and do that but we can take some very valuable lessons back to New Zealand." Paul Temple, New Zealand coach From : Fifa