Brazil's Alves targets a place in history

Brazil's Daniela Alves is eager to make history by helping Brazil's women to win their first World Cup on Sunday.


The 'Canarinha' - as Brazil's women are known - reached the final with a superb 4-0 victory over the United States on Thursday and will face defending champions Germany at Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai.


Brazil have impressed throughout the tournament, scoring 17 goals in five games and conceding just two.

They are also able to boast one of the players of the tournament in Marta and Alves believes a World Cup victory on Sunday will go a long way to improving women's football in the country.

'Our aim is to write our name in the history books of Brazilian football,' she said.

'We are looking upon this World Cup as the opportunity of a lifetime.

'We really needed this win, and reaching the final can change lots of things in Brazil. Winning it would help Brazilian women's football so, so much.'

Brazil have been strong all over the pitch with their defence shutting out opposing team's chances and their attack breaking quickly to create opportunities.

And Daniela believes it is Brazil's strong team spirit that has helped them through to the final.

'I honestly couldn't tell you what our weak point is,' she added. 'Our greatest strength, though, is that we are a family, not a team.

'We spend more time with each other than our own families, and it's that unity that has taken us to the final.'

Germany's Ariane Hingst, meanwhile, feels her side's record in the tournament so far speaks for itself.

The defending champions set a new record when they reached the final without conceding a single goal in the competition.

'I think the fact that we've played five games without conceding a single goal says it all really,' she said. 'We all help each other along and we've got great faith in each other.

'At least with those results our opponents will not be taking us lightly. It's obvious, though, that the final will not be a walkover.

'The game with Brazil is a tremendous opportunity for many of us.'