While much has been made about the pressure on the Brazilian men to win the country’s first gold medal in soccer, the women are also searching for their breakthrough in that regard. Wednesday afternoon Brazil opened its account in Rio with an impressive 3-0 win over China at the Olympic Stadium, with Monica’s goal in the 36th minute standing as the match winner.
Monica’s header from just inside of the penalty spot found its way through three Chinese defenders, with keeper Zhao Lina being caught well off her line. After being caught on their heels to start the match China rebounded well late in the first half, mounting a challenge on the Brazilian goal and that carried over into the early stages of the second half.