The buzz: Racing Louisville’s Ary Borges, one of 61 NWSL players called up for the World Cup, had a hat trick in Brazil’s 4-0 opening-game win over Panama. Brazil outshot Panama 32-6 in that game, taking 18 tries from inside the box and putting 10 on target. Another win here would leave Brazil well-positioned to advance.
Highly regarded France, meanwhile, a pre-tournament favorite, has a lot of work to do after a scoreless draw with Jamaica in its first game; anything short of a win here will leave it with a steep hill to climb. France had 72% possession in that game, putting five shots on goal, but Jamaica keeper Rebecca Spencer would not be beaten.
Perhaps more costly for France was the stoppage-time tackle Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw made on France captain Wendie Renard. The play earned Shaw a suspension but it left Renard, France’s top defender, with a calf injury that could keep her sidelined through the rest of the group stage.