Brazil, Norway secure tight victories

Brazil and Norway both enjoyed narrow first-up wins in Group D at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany on Wednesday.

Brazil, the 2007 runners-up, were pushed all the way by Australia in Moenchengladbach before escaping with a 1-0 win.

The Australians gave as good as they got in the first half, with forwards Kyah Simon and Lisa De Vanna both spurning good chances.

They were made to pay nine minutes after half-time when they failed to deal with a bouncing ball on the edge of the box and Brazil midfielder Rosana was on hand to lash the ball past Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri.

Despite the best efforts of Australia, that was where the score line stayed as Brazil moved to the top of Group D.

Joining them there are Norway, who had an 84th-minute strike from Emilie Haavi to thank for their 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, who were making their World Cup debut.