Brazil late show denies Nigeria

For the second time in as many matches a late equaliser from Brazil has rescued a point for the South Americans at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with Giovanna Oliveira’s header denying the Falconets early passage to the knockout stage.

A superbly hit drive from Francisca Ordega a minute from half-time appeared enough for our girls to claim all three points in a hard-fought and at-times physical encounter in Saitama.

However, Oliveira secured another important point for Brazil with a glancing header three minutes from the end, after an injury-time equaliser earned A Selecao a draw in their opener against Italy.

Despite a good pace to the contest in the sapping heat, there were few chances on goal until the later stages of the first half when both teams made some inroads, with the Falconets eventually profiting from Odega's intervention.

The second half was an entirely different affair with Brazil on top and narrowly failing to score on several occasions.

Notably, Ingrid headed home a free-kick at the back post only to be denied by the offside flag. Brazil finally made their domination pay as Thais Guedes’ whipped in free-kick was glanced home.

The Falconets will have a second opportunity to qualify for the last eight when they meet Italy, while Brazil face a must-win encounter with Korea Republic.