Football queen Marta has shared her thoughts after being relegated to the bench in Brazil’s resounding victory over Chile in Brasília.
The mystery still hangs over Marta’s tenure at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Following coach Pia Sundhage’s avoidance of the question during the call-up, the superstar did not shirk the subject and showed herself ready to contribute to the national team in any way possible.
“I am fully aware that I am no longer the Marta of 20 years ago. But what matters most is to see that, whether I am on the field or not, we have athletes capable of representing our country with dignity,” said Marta.
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In Brazil’s last warm-up game before the tournament, Marta came off the bench in the 4-0 win over Chile. She came on in the 29th minute of the second half, replacing defender Rafaelle, when the team had already taken a comfortable lead.
At 37, Marta is preparing for her sixth appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She has represented Brazil at every World Cup since 2003, when she was just 17.
A memorable triumph in 2007
Her best run was in 2007, when she won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot in the same competition. Brazil finished runners-up, losing to Germany in the final.
“It is the result of a lifetime of hard work. Reaching and maintaining such a high standard is extremely difficult. I am lucky to have incredible teammates in the national team, in my club and in the clubs where I have played”, recalled Marta.
“When you dedicate yourself to your work with love and passion, it becomes much easier. I am extremely happy to participate in my sixth World Cup. I could never have done it alone.”
