The Scotsman

Little makes a huge impact as Scots women beat Brazil

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History was made in the unlikely setting of the Pinatar Arena in Spain as a Kim Little goal, scored seven minutes from half-time, secured a first ever senior Scotland win over Brazil – and provided a huge pre-world Cup boost.

It proved to be a glorious night in Murcia for coach Shelley Kerr and her players as the Scots secured their third win in four matches.

“I’m really, really proud of the players. Brazil put us under a lot of pressure but we were really discipline­d and organised,” said Kerr.

“We showed real endeavour to get over the line at the end. It was a quality goal we scored as well. It was a quality cross from Lizzie [Arnot] and the timing of Kim’s run was brilliant.

“I just told them they need to show desire and intent to beat a team of Brazil’s quality who have talented and dynamic players. In the grand scheme of things it’s a friendly game but it shows what a bit of belief and confidence can do.

“I think it’s the highest ranked team we’ve ever beaten, but right now we have to go away and reflect.”

Scotland drew with Chile on Friday and won both their previous games against Denmark and Iceland, and Kerr added: “I also thought it was a fantastic performanc­e against Chile the other night – we just didn’t get the win that we deserved. We changed shape at half-time, which we had to do, because they [Brazil] were pressing us aggressive­ly.”

Kerr made three changes to the side which had drawn 1-1 with Chile at the same venue on Friday night. Sophie Howard came in at right back, Leanne Crichton in midfield, and Claire Emslie on the left wing.

Both sides wasted no time creating chances on a balmy evening at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia. Set pieces provided three opportunit­ies for Scotland and one for Brazil, with Howard coming closest. The Reading defender headed a Little corner on to the top of the bar and over.

Brazil scorned two glorious chances to take the lead midway through the half, and each time a post came to Scotland’s rescue. They managed to scramble the first one clear, while a lob from Oliveira Santos beat keeper Lee Alexander but also hit the woodwork.

The Scotland goalkeeper made a fine save to block a powerful Geyse shot and just as it seemed inevitable that the Brazilians would take the lead, they went behind instead. Little sent the ball forward to Arnot on the right and the Manchester United forward eventually reciprocat­ed with a low cross which Little converted.

Brazil had an effort disallowed early in the second half, and although it looked a close call the flag was up well before the ball crossed the line.

Otherwise there was little of the first-half goalmouth 2 Erin Cuthbert goes round an opponent on a night to remember for coach Shelley Kerr’s talented side. action as Scotland, who made two changes after the interval, held their opponents comfortabl­y.

Caroline Weir, with a low shot which Aline held at her left-hand post, nearly doubled the lead with 12 minutes remaining and the Manchester City player came even closer almost at the end. She broke into the Brazil penalty area and was about to pull the trigger when Aline made a decisive and brave save at her feet.

It would have put the icing on the cake, but it remained a memorable night for Scotland.

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 ??  ?? 2 Scotland women’s captain Rachel Corsie shows her delight after she led her team to victory over the Brazilians in Spain.
2 Scotland women’s captain Rachel Corsie shows her delight after she led her team to victory over the Brazilians in Spain.

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