Dulce Maria starts as Brazil qualify at U20 World Cup; Morganti waits | OneFootball

Corinthians remains represented in the Brazilian Women’s National Team’s journey at the U-20 World Cup. This Wednesday (16), Brazil eliminated the United States in the round of 16 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition. Among the two Brabas players called up for the tournament, Dulce Maria started in the lineup, while Ana Morganti remained on the bench and has yet to make her World Cup debut.

Brazil’s qualification came only on penalties, after a 1-1 draw in regular time and the score remaining unchanged during extra time. The match, however, ended with concern for Corinthians: Dulce Maria felt severe pain in her leg during the second half and had to be carried off the field by the medical staff.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

Dulce Maria starts among the starters

Coach Camilla Orlando began the match with: Thaís Lima; Sofia Couto, Ana Beatriz, Thaynara, Gisele, Vitorinha, Nogueira, Kaylane, Dulce Maria, Brendha and Dudinha.

At just 18 years old, Dulce Maria earned a spot in the starting lineup for the knockout clash. The first half ended scoreless and saw the United States control most of the action, while Brazil struggled to create chances.

The scenario changed after halftime. In the 58th minute, Sofia Couto put Brazil ahead with a header. The American response, however, was quick, and the equalizer came four minutes later.

Brabas forward leaves match in pain

Dulce Maria stayed on the field until the 74th minute. The forward went down on the pitch with severe pain in her leg and had to be carried off by the professionals responsible for medical care. The player left the field in tears.

So far, the material provided contains no information about the severity of the issue or any possible recovery period for the athlete.

With no more goals during the rest of regular time, the match went to extra time. The 1-1 draw remained until the final whistle, sending the decision for the spot to a penalty shootout.

Brazil secures qualification on penalties

In the shootout, goalkeeper Thaís Lima saved one of the United States’ kicks and played an important role in Brazil’s qualification. Brendha, Gisele, Emilly Lucas, Aninha and Bianca converted their penalties for Brazil.

The result placed Brazil among the eight best teams in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Brazil’s campaign remains unbeaten after a group stage in which the team won all three of its matches and finished top of Group B.

Morganti still awaits first opportunity

In addition to Dulce Maria, Corinthians has another representative on the national team. Goalkeeper Ana Morganti, 17, is also among those called up by Camilla Orlando for the World Cup.

Morganti, however, was not used against the United States. The keeper appears as the third option for the position and has not yet taken the field in this edition of the competition.

Now through, Brazil awaits the definition of its next opponent. The spot on the other side of the quarterfinal matchup will be decided between Spain and Portugal, who face each other this Wednesday.

While the national team prepares for the next knockout round, Corinthians is also keeping an eye on Dulce Maria’s condition after the forward left the match in pain.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.