It was France who settled down better; and Brazil unfortunately did not heed the danger when Leticia had to dive full-length to save a cute header from French veteran forward Eugenie Le Sommer. The striker did the same trick again moments later; with the slightly better result of a goal; as strike partner Kadidiatou Diani knocked back Sakina Karchaoui's long cross-field ball.
Brazil looked a bit stunned; and there were times when it looked like the game would be beyond them; notably when Adriana somehow contrived to screw the ball wide when it looked easier to score with a gaping goal
But when the second half started; Brazil came out strong; and slowly but surely the tide began to turn. Their efforts were rewarded when star striker Debinha pounced on a deflected ball to score neatly past the French 'keeper Pauline Magnin to even the scores.
Things then got a little tense as both sides went for the jugular; with both sides going on the attack and the action relentless. There were a few yellow cards thrown in for good measure; notably on the French team who seemed that bit more desperate for the result; considering their disappointing 0-0 draw with Jamaica in their opening game.
And just when it looked when the scores could be level; up stepped captain Wendie Renard to head home from Selma Bacha's floated corner; just about the only time she managed to get free on their set-pieces. Brazil got desperate and brought our their iconic striker Marta; but after some astute game management from the French; they held on for a priceless victory.
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