India beaten 1-6 by Brazil in women's football

Manaus: The Indian women’s football team scored one goal and kept mighty Brazil at bay till late in the first half but eventually lost 1-6 in its first match of the four-nation international tournament here on Friday.

Manisha Kalyan equalised in the eighth minute for India after Debora Oliveira had put the 2007 World Cup runners-up in the lead in the very first minute of the match.

Giovana Costa put Brazil in the lead again in the 36th minute to give the home side the advantage at the breather. Brazil, however, pumped in four more goals in the second half through Ariadina Borges (52nd and 81st), Kerolin Ferraz (54th) and Geyse Ferreira (76th) to win the match with a tennis-like scoreline. The match marked the international retirement of legendary mid-fielder Formiga at 43 year of age after playing 26 years and 233 games forBrazil. She came as a substitute with barely 15 minutes left in Friday’s

match at  Arena da Amazonia.



Nicknamed the “ant” for her playing style, Brazil’s most-capped player Formiga played in seven World Cups and as many Olympics, after women’s football was added in the 1996 Games.

She was part of the 1999 World Cup bronze-winning Brazil team and the 2007 World Cup silver medal winning side. She has also won two Olympic silver medals, in 2004 and 2008.

Ranked seventh in the world as against 57th of India, Brazil expectedly were the far dominant side with more than 70 per cent ball possession.

Manisha’s lone goal and goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan’s strong performance were the bright spots for India.

Brazil got off to a flying start and took the lead in the first minute itself. Defender Daiana’s long ball from the back found skipper Debinha whose initial effort was saved by Aditi Chauhan but the Indian custodian could do nothing about the rebound.