A 3–0 win over Norway this Saturday (24) secured Brazil’s U-17 women’s national team a place in the World Cup round of 16 as Group C winners. Melo, who scored the opening goal with a superb strike from outside the box, celebrated the team’s performance and her Player of the Match award, presented by FIFA to the best player in the game. The midfielder said tactical organization was crucial in helping Brazil control the match and secure the win.
“It was a tough game, but our team stayed very compact. We managed to execute our game plan well and play on our terms, and that’s how we put in a good performance and came away with the win,” she said.
As well as celebrating her individual award, Melo highlighted the importance of qualification for the team, which now turns its attention to the knockout stage. Despite being pleased to have achieved that goal, she stressed that the squad remains determined to go further in the tournament.
“We’re really happy to have qualified, which we wanted so much, but we’re looking for more. So we won’t stop working hard, and we’ll keep pushing,” she said.
Carol Melo celebrates with her teammates after scoring the opening goal in the 3–0 win over Norway in their third group-stage match at the U-17 World CupCredits: Fabio Souza / CBF
Focus on the knockout stage
With qualification secured, Brazil enters a new phase of the World Cup, where every match will be decisive. Melo acknowledged the demands of knockout football and emphasized the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
“Every game is a new competition. We know it’s going to be tough because it all comes down to one game, and we’ll have to give everything in every match. We’re ready for that, and everything will work out,” she concluded.
With the win over Norway, Brazil finishes the group stage at the top of Group C and heads into the knockout rounds full of confidence, aiming to keep advancing in pursuit of the world title.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.