Brazil started their world cup campaign as defending champions, in group A, along with Mexico, demolishing the Solmon Islands 11-2 in their opening game of the group. Brazil continued to perform well with a 6-4 win against Mexico, however left it late to score 2 goals in the third period to secure the three points. Finally, Brazil met Russia. The game was extremely close, seeing Russia lead 2-1 with three minutes left, but a 33rd-minute goal by Sidney sent the game to extra-time and ultimately, penalties. It was a very nerve-racking shoot-out, seeing seven players from each team take a penalty but in the end, it was Brazil who prevailed, taking the 2 points and denying Russia a place in the quarter finals.