BHUBANESWAR: The Brazil U-17 national team has so far failed to replicate the achievements of its senior men or even that of the senior women. But before a scanty crowd of just over 4000 at Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday, the young Brazilians showed their potential by beating Morocco 1-0 in their opening match of the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
And the solitary strike came from Ingrid Aparecida Borges de Moraes or 'Jhonson', the footballer rated to be the next big thing in Brazilian football. After netting nine goals in their World Cup qualifying campaign, the 17-year-old began where she had left off by scoring the first goal of this edition of the U-17 World Cup in the 5th minute of the match.
"I am very happy to be here and happier to score the first goal of the World Cup," the Brazil striker said after the match. The winner came after an incisive pass from Lara to the right of the box that found an onrushing Jhonson. Not taking the ground route, Jhonson shot it over the head of the approaching Morocco goalkeeper Wissal Titah to the delight of her teammates and coach.
