Disappointment for England, joy for Brazil at Women’s World Cup

The final round of opening group games got underway last night and early this morning in Canada as groups E and F kicked off.

England 0-1 France

England have failed to beat France in women’s football since 1974 so Mark Sampson’s side’s opening group game was never going to be easy.

On a grey, wet and very English-like day in New Brunswick it was only a goal that separated the two sides but the gulf in class was much bigger than that.

France are ranked third in the world and come into the tournaments as one of the favourites but this English performance looked all too similar to what we’re used to seeing from English teams at World Cups.

Eugénie Le Sommer's first-half strike was enough to separate the sides and, despite Camille Abily somehow getting away with an elbow on Laura Bassett, England never really threatened an equaliser.

The Three Lionesses are now under pressure to improve if they are to get the results needed against Colombia and Mexico to qualify for the next round.

Colombia 1-1 Mexico

The other game in Group F saw a clash of the Americas as Colombia were forced to come from nehind to grab a late point against Mexico.

Daniela Montoya's 82nd minute strike crashed in off the underside of the bar - shades of a certain fellow Colombian at last year's men's World Cup.

The goal meant the sides had to settle for a point after Mexico had taken a first-half lead through Veronica Perez, aided by the use of goal-line technology.

El Tri almost took all three points at the very end but Charlyn Corral’s goal was disallowed for offside.

Brazil 2-0 South Korea

It was a record-breaking day for Brazil as legendary striker Marta scored her 15th career Women’s World Cup goal to become the all-time leader in tournament history, leading Brazil to a 2-0 win over South Korea in Montreal.

Marta’s 53rd minute penalty put Brazil 2-0 up after more hostory had been made with their opening goal - that strike from Formiga made her the oldest scorer in Women’s World Cup history at the age of 37.

Spain 1-1 Costa Rica

Brazil’s win puts them top of Group E after Spain and Costa Rica played out a dreary 1-1 draw at an almost empty Montreal Olympic Stadium.

There was very little action of note in this game bar a two-minute spell early in the opneing half which produced both goals.

Vicky Losada put Spain ahead before Raquel Rodríguez equalised for the South Americans two minutes later.

Spain will meet Ireland in Euro 2017 qualifiers but, from looking at this performance, Sue Ronan’s side won’t be shaking in their boots.