Samba time as World Cup kicks-off

Published 2:00pm 20 July 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Moreton Bay Region has joined the FIFA Women’s World Cup celebrations with fans meeting South American stars and getting ready for a samba party.

Scores of fans were at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex - home of Caboolture Sports FC - yesterday for an open session by the Brazilian women’s squad.

It was a chance to watch training and meet the players, who are training at Burpengary and staying in North Lakes during their Group F matches.

On Saturday a taste of Rio will come to Redcliffe Markets in a free Carnaval-style Street Party with colourful costumes, samba music, dancing, fireworks and food.

For tickets to Redcliffe Markets’ free Street-Party click here

Picture gallery - click through

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “We’re thrilled to bring a piece of Rio right here to Moreton Bay, helping welcome the Brazilian national team to our region and attracting football-loving visitors from across Australia and the world.

“The Street Party market will rock Redcliffe and include Council’s dedicated football activation space where community members can play football-themed games next to the Redcliffe jetty.

Brazil start their campaign against Panama in Sydney on Monday (9pm) and then return to Brisbane to face France at Suncorp Stadium on July 29 (8pm).

Hot favourites to top Group F, Brazil finish their first-round games in Melbourne against Jamaica on August 2 (8pm).

The South Americans arrive confident after winning their Copa America tournament as coach Pia Sundhage leads a younger, rejuvenated squad into action.

Currently, world-ranked eight, Brazil have impressed in warm-up matches and some consider them an outside chance to lift the trophy in a month’s time.

The FIFA Women's World Cup is being held in the southern hemisphere for the first time in 2023 with eight games taking place at Suncorp Stadium.

It starts tonight when New Zealand face Norway in Auckland at 5pm and then Australia take on Ireland in Sydney ay 8pm.

For more on Brisbane’s participation in the Women's World Cup 2023 click here.