Brazil reached the Olympic women’s football final with a stunning 4-2 victory over world champions Spain in Marseille on Tuesday. They will face the United States for the gold medal. This marks Brazil’s sixth Olympic semi-final, where they capitalized on Spanish defensive errors to secure a spot in Saturday’s final at Parc des Princes. They will seek their first Olympic football title against the four-time champions U.S.
Despite being without captain and all-time leading scorer Marta, who was suspended after a red card in a 2-0 group stage loss to Spain, Brazil prevailed. They took the lead six minutes in when a clearance attempt by Spain keeper Cata Coll deflected off captain Irene Paredes into her own net. Gabi Portilho doubled the lead just before halftime with a goal assisted by a superb pass from Yasmim.
Captain Adriana made it 3-0 in the 72nd minute with a close-range header following a fast counterattack. Spain managed to pull one back with an own goal from Duda Sampaio five minutes from time. Brazil substitute Kerolin then stole possession and scored in stoppage time, sealing the victory. Spain’s Salma Paralluelo added a consolation goal in the final minutes.
“We went in with a plan and trusted coach Arthur completely,” Kerolin told Brazilian broadcaster Globo. “I can only congratulate the girls, who went in with great determination. It was a very emotional war. We gave everything.”
Spain will now play for the bronze medal against Germany in Lyon on Friday. “To concede in the sixth minute on a mistake is a shock,” said Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso. “We have to be strong and go for the bronze medal.”
