By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Brazilian national female side thrashed Cameroon 5-0 in their opening match at the 2012 Olympic Games yesterday. Marta, the five-time World Player of the Year, scored twice as the Seleção coasted on their way to an easy victory.
The star player described the game as “the first battle” and left it clear there will be more difficult hurdles to clear if the team are to leave London with the gold medal.
The number ten scored twice while striker Cristiane, who came on from the bench, scored her eleventh goal in Olympic tournaments to become the leading scorer in Olympic history.
With the victory, Brazil took the lead in Group E. With three points, has the same score of Britain – who won earlier in New Zealand at the same level – but a better goal difference.
Brazil are still to play New Zealand and Great Britain in the group stage and must finish in the top two to qualify for the knock-out stages. The side are trying to win a first major tournament after twice losing in finals.
Today, the Men’s side kick-off their campaign against Egypt with the weight of expectation on their shoulders.
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