Superstar Marta steps up for Brazil

Superstar forward Marta takes centre stage on Tuesday as Brazil open their women's World Cup campaign against South Korea, while England search for a first win in 41 years against France.

Despite having former five-time world player of the year Marta in their ranks the Brazilians are looking for the maiden world title which would turn their star into a legend.

"What I hope in 2015 is that Brazil changes history in the World Cup," said the 29-year-old whose glittering 13-year senior career to date has only produced a runners-up spot on the world stage in 2007.

"We have a new team, a new generation and I hope we'll be able to demonstrate our level at the World Cup and the Olympic Games."

The Sweden-based player added: "I think we have the ability to do well, to fight with the big powers."

First in their path are Group E rivals South Korea, a team ranked 18th, who are looking for a first World Cup win in Montreal, with group rivals Spain and Costa Rica, both newcomers to the competition, playing earlier in the day in the Quebec city.

Marta's reigning six-time Copa America champions will be backed up by other seasoned veterans including fellow striker Cristiane, goalkeeper Andreia and midfielder Formiga.

South Korea's star striker Park Eun-Sun will be looking to lift her side who are competing in their second World Cup and first since 2003, after qualifying fourth in the 2014 Asian Cup.

Brazil coach Vadao has kept a tight rein on his group in Canada with a one-hour session behind closed doors planned on the eve of the opener to work on a few set plays away from prying eyes.

- 41-year unbeaten run -

France, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run against England going back to 1974 in a Group F tie in Moncton, with Colombia and Mexico also playing later in the day in the New Brunswick city.

Not only are France among the competition favourites, they have also put England out of the last two major tournaments -- Euro 2013 and World Cup 2011.

Arsenal striker Lianne Sanderson said England are ready to build on their flawless qualifying campaign, and success in this year's Cyprus Cup.

"We know how good France are, but I'm sure they know how good we are too," she said.

"We haven't got a great record against France but that doesn't concern us because we’ll be ready."

France midfielder Elise Bussaglia, who scored the equaliser in 2011 against England, which forced a penalty shootout which put her side through to the semi-finals, believes the French have grown in four years on.

"It's one of my best memories," she admitted.

"It's a match which is engrained in our memories. Since then a lot has changed. The quality of the group for one.

"Four years ago we were almost the surprise team, now we're among the favourites and the world of football is expecting things from us.

"We're expecting things from ourselves. We need to make the podium at least, otherwise it will be worse than a disappointment."

France however have their own demons to bury as captain Wendie Renard admitted memories of their fourth in 2011 were still raw.

"There was enormous disappointment," said the Lyon defender of their 3-1 semi-final defeat to the United States.

"When you have the chance to win titles and you let them slip away, it's tough. We have to get it into our head that we are capable of going after and winning a world title."

Colombia will be counting on their rising star Yoreli Rincon to lift them out of the group stage for the first time against Mexico.

The 21-year-old was named best player of the Copa America tournament.
Source: AFP