Brazil’s U-17 women’s team opened the World Cup in embarrassment on Sunday, losing 5-0 to Japan. The result puts an exclamation point on just how far this program is likely about to fall. (To be clear, the signs were obvious and quarterfinal exits in this year’s Olympics and the 2011 World Cup are further proof, but Sunday’s result is the real black eye.)
Sunday’s loss also comes just a few weeks after the U-20 Brazil women failed to advance from the group stage for the second-straight time. More on the rapid decline of Brazil, later.
Mexico was also victorious in Group C, defeating New Zealand 1-0 on a 36th minute goal from Fernanda Perez.
In Group D action, Ghana made things interesting late, but Germany prevailed 2-1. And in other news about fallen women’s soccer powers, China played as well, defeating Uruguay 4-0.
