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Monday Roundup: Marta brace propels Brazil over Bolivia

Also in today’s roundup, Ireland and England earn friendly wins on home soil, and Canada fall 2-1 in Germany

Marta warmed up for her Orlando stint by scoring two goals against Bolivia. (Getty Images)

Marta warmed up for her Orlando stint by scoring two goals against Bolivia. (Getty Images)

Brazil, with newly signed Orlando Pride striker Marta leading the way, hammered Bolivia, 6-0 in a friendly on Sunday in Manaus. Marta scored goals in the 43rd and 64th minutes in what appeared to be an easy win against an opponent without much experience in important matches. Houston Dash defender Bruna Benites also scored as did former WPS champion Francielle. Cristiane and Thaisa also scored.

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The win marked the coaching debut for Emily Lima who was hired to replace Vadao following the side’s 4th place finish at their home Olympics last summer. Lima is expected to bring her team to the United States for a summer tournament against the U.S., Japan, and Australia.

Ireland win after settling dispute

Ireland registered a 1-0 win over Slovakia on Monday just days after putting the match in jeopardy in an effort to gain better treatment from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). Stephanie Roche scored the only goal of the match from the spot following a foul on Megan Connelly early in the 2nd half. Despite the narrow scoreline, coach Colin Bell felt his group were always in command.

“Winning is a habit and since coming in, I think the players are beginning to pick it up and today, they gave the opposition very few opportunities which was great,” Bell said on the occasion of his first home match as Ireland manager. “It was only a 1-0 lead but I always felt like we were comfortable against a good Slovakia side so when you count today and the Cyprus Cup performances, we’re definitely moving in the right direction.

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“I feel like we’re in a much stronger place now and really looking forward to getting the players back in for the Iceland and Scotland games in the summer.”

Last week, Ireland players held a gripping press conference during which they called into treatment treatment from the FAI including being forced to change in airport bathrooms and receiving neither any pay for matches nor compensation for having to miss days at their full-time jobs. The sides quickly came to an agreement for improvements and the match went ahead as scheduled.

Houston Dash forward Denise O’Sullivan played the entire 90 minutes for Ireland.

England stifle Austria

Three days after failing to hold a lead against Italy in a 1-1 draw, England hammered Austria, 3-0 on Monday in Buckinghamshire. Ellen White got things started after just 5 minutes and Lucy Bronze provided a cushion in the 67th. Isobel Christiansen, who provided the assist to White, added the third in the 85th. Siobhan Chamberlain earned the clean sheet in goal.

On Friday, Jodie Taylor scored for England but Valentina Cernoia equalized for Italy three minutes later.

Mark Sampson’s side continue to be among the favorites for this summer’s Euros.

Canada lose 2-1 to Germany

Canada fell 2-1 to gold medal holder Germany on Sunday to conclude a two-game European trip with a win and a loss. Kaelin Sheridan, who was named to Sky Blue FC’s opening day roster on Monday, conceded an own goal 13 minutes in. Deanna Rose tied it up in the 38th minute when she finished a cross from the Dash’s Janine Beckie.

Stephanie Labbe replaced Sheridan after halftime and was in for the game winner from Linda Dallmann in the 86th minute.

“I’m pretty comfortable with that performance,” Canada head coach John Herdman, said.  “I didn’t think Germany dominated us in any way, but it was just a solid defensive performance from Canada and I am really proud of the players. This European tour has been a success.   The result against Sweden was crucial, and then moving into Germany we knew a two day turn around was going to be tough for our starting XI. I thought our players showed real resilience today, but Germany were the better team in terms of possession.”

Last Thursday, Canada defeated silver medalist Sweden, 1-0.

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