The match for 3^rd and 4^th place in the Women’s side of the 2011 Pan Am Challenge was between Brazil and Paraguay, respectively. For most of the first half, play was in Brazil’s attacking half. Brazil received a number of penalty corners, but Paraguay’s keeper Claudia FLORES GUILLEN made many saves to keep Brazil from scoring. Paraguay persisted and was successful with their counter attack late in the first half. Maria SERVIAN GIOSA gave Paraguay the 1-0 lead over Brazil in the 28^th minute. Brazil continued to pressure on attack for the remaining minutes of the half, but could not score. So at halftime the score was still 0-1 Brazil versus Paraguay.

Both teams came out fighting for possession to start the second half. Paraguay had a few attacking opportunities, but could not capitalize. Brazil continued their offensive pressure and finally converted one of their penalty corners. Brazil’s Juliana GELBCKE DE OLIVEIRA had a beautiful lifted goal over FLORES GUILLEN in the 42^nd minute to tie the match 1-1 with Paraguay. Brazil took the lead in the 58^th minute off a field goal by GELBCKE DE OLIVEIRA. When Paraguay had the ball on attack Brazil’s defense did a good job of keeping them out of their attacking circle. Brazil also received a couple more penalty corners, but could not convert them. Thus, the final score remained 2-1 and Brazil came away with the one goal victory over Paraguay. Brazil also secured third place in the 2011 Pan Am Challenge (on the women’s side) while Paraguay secured forth place.

MATCH QUOTES

Paraguay’s Coach Julio RUSSO

On the match…

It was a match with two even teams. It had a lot of emotion and intensity by both teams. I am a little sad on the part of Paraguay.

On why he is sad…

We were fighting for third place. We had some bad luck and I thought Paraguay played really hard.

On fourth place…

We are still growing and that is a great thing to see.

Brazil’s Coach Edurardo MARTINS

On the match…

I thought it was a great match. We came out a bit slow in the first half, but then we began to play our game, especially as we calmed down. We did what we have done in other games and played our hockey and our game; that got us third place. Of course, our objective was to win the tournament. Paraguay always plays with passion and has the same respect for opponents that we do.

On the future..

This was only one tournament. It is not the end, but just the beginning of our story. We will take three weeks rest and then we will continue to train for provincial matches and other tournaments.

Brazil’s Captain Djeniffer DOMBROWICZ VASQUES

On the match and finishing in third place…

I am very happy with the final result. It was very emotional as it always is with Paraguay. We played with lots of passion and heart and third place is very positive for Brazil. It is a great victory for us. It is the first medal from a big Women’s tournament for Brazil. We are very happy and this is of great importance.