Brazil wins City of Sao Paulo International Soccer Tournament
Brazil wins City of Sao Paulo International Soccer Tournament
09:59, December 21, 2009 
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The Brazilian women's national soccer team won the City of Sao Paulo International Soccer Tournament on Sunday after beating Mexico 5-2 to finish thefour-team tournament undefeated.
Marta, the world's reigning and three year consecutive FIFA MVP, led Brazil to victory by scoring three goals in Sunday's final.
However, Brazil was put against the wall when Mexico scored the game's first goal in the 11th minute when Dinora caught the defense off guard, scoring on a shot from long distance.
Brazil quickly tied the match in the 22nd minute when Aline tapped in a cross. The team took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Marta scored in the 34th minute.
Mexico began the second half with an all out offensive assault.Within the first two minutes of the second half, the Mexicans ricocheted two balls off Brazil's goalpost.
But Mexico's fullback Alina did not help the team's cause, scoring back-to-back goals into her own net. The first came when Erika's shot was deflected by Mexico's goalie, bouncing off the face of Alina and into Mexico's goal. The second came minutes later when Marta dribbled through the defense. Alina was able to get a foot on Marta's ball, but ended up knocking it into her own goal.
Mexico was able to score their second goal of the match in the 70th minute. Nayeli took a shot on goal that deflected off Brazil defender, Ester, and found its way into Brazil's nets.
Minutes later, Christiane broke past the defense and unselfishly gave a clean assist to a wide open Marta, who then pounded the ball with her left foot into the left side of Mexico's goal.
"We have to thank the fans for coming out in large numbers and supporting us. Today's victory is an early Christmas present to them," said Ester.
"No one used to care about women's soccer in Brazil. However, today's game had a sold out crowd. I am very happy. We are thrilled with the tournament title and pleased with our current level of play," added the team's head coach, Kleiton Lima.
Marta, who ended the tournament as the leading scorer with nine goals, and Christiane did not have much time to celebrate their latest achievement. Both players boarded a helicopter that took them to the airport with Zurich, Switzerland as their destination. Both athletes are in the running to be named the 2009's best female soccer player in FIFA's annual award ceremony that will be held on Monday.
In the consolation game, China beat Chile 2-0. China's midfielder Ma Xiaoxu scored both of her team's goals, leading to the team's bronze medal.
Source: Xinhua
Marta, the world's reigning and three year consecutive FIFA MVP, led Brazil to victory by scoring three goals in Sunday's final.
However, Brazil was put against the wall when Mexico scored the game's first goal in the 11th minute when Dinora caught the defense off guard, scoring on a shot from long distance.
Brazil quickly tied the match in the 22nd minute when Aline tapped in a cross. The team took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Marta scored in the 34th minute.
Mexico began the second half with an all out offensive assault.Within the first two minutes of the second half, the Mexicans ricocheted two balls off Brazil's goalpost.
But Mexico's fullback Alina did not help the team's cause, scoring back-to-back goals into her own net. The first came when Erika's shot was deflected by Mexico's goalie, bouncing off the face of Alina and into Mexico's goal. The second came minutes later when Marta dribbled through the defense. Alina was able to get a foot on Marta's ball, but ended up knocking it into her own goal.
Mexico was able to score their second goal of the match in the 70th minute. Nayeli took a shot on goal that deflected off Brazil defender, Ester, and found its way into Brazil's nets.
Minutes later, Christiane broke past the defense and unselfishly gave a clean assist to a wide open Marta, who then pounded the ball with her left foot into the left side of Mexico's goal.
"We have to thank the fans for coming out in large numbers and supporting us. Today's victory is an early Christmas present to them," said Ester.
"No one used to care about women's soccer in Brazil. However, today's game had a sold out crowd. I am very happy. We are thrilled with the tournament title and pleased with our current level of play," added the team's head coach, Kleiton Lima.
Marta, who ended the tournament as the leading scorer with nine goals, and Christiane did not have much time to celebrate their latest achievement. Both players boarded a helicopter that took them to the airport with Zurich, Switzerland as their destination. Both athletes are in the running to be named the 2009's best female soccer player in FIFA's annual award ceremony that will be held on Monday.
In the consolation game, China beat Chile 2-0. China's midfielder Ma Xiaoxu scored both of her team's goals, leading to the team's bronze medal.
Source: Xinhua
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