The Brazilian National Team is in the final of the Paris Olympic Games. With goals from defender Paredes (own goal), Gabi Portilho, Adriana, and Kerolin, Brazil won against Spain 4-2 on Tuesday (6) in Marseille during the semifinal of the Olympic tournament. With this victory, the team will face the United States on Saturday at 12 PM (Brasília time) in Paris, competing for the historic gold medal.
The Spanish team are the current world champions. Paralluelo scored both goals for Spain.
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Best campaign since Beijing 2008
The excellent performance in Marseille secured Brazil’s return to the podium after 16 years. The last time the team won a silver medal was at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The first silver was won in Athens 2004. The gold medal remains elusive for the Brazilian women. In both finals, the Americans were the opponents. Besides the two Olympic finals, Brazil also competed in a World Cup final in 2007, losing to Germany.
Marta, who missed the last two matches due to suspension, will be available for the coach to play in the final.
Arthur Elias delivers on his promise
In September, coach Arthur Elias took over the Brazilian national team and promised that the team would be a protagonist “in no time.” And he delivered. Brazil has already secured at least a silver medal and is having its best campaign since Beijing 08. Previously, he had led the team to a second-place finish in the Gold Cup in March, in his first official competition in charge of the team. The coach has an audacious style. He refuses to define a starting lineup and likes to change the team’s formation for each match. He has already fielded 20 of the 22 players called up for the Olympic Games. Only the two goalkeepers have yet to play.
“I am confident that we can change the reality of women’s football in Brazil in a short time. My mission is to bring results quickly, at the Olympic Games. The Brazilian national team needs to return to being a world protagonist; that is our goal,” said Arthur Elias at his introduction.
Lorena shines again
Goalkeeper Lorena had another outstanding performance. She saved a series of dangerous shots from the Spaniards. Throughout the Olympic campaign, the Grêmio goalkeeper has been one of the team’s most important players.
Goal early on
Brazil opened the scoring early in the match. At 5 minutes, forward Priscila pressured the opposing goalkeeper, who kicked the ball forward and hit defender Paredes inside the area. The ball came back and slowly rolled in.
Fast attack
With the lead, Brazil effectively exploited the speed of its forwards and created more opportunities to extend the score. At 9 minutes, Gabi Portilho took advantage of the goalkeeper’s rebound and shot over. Then, at 20 minutes, Ludmila made a great run, shot crosswise, but the goalkeeper saved.
Almost the second
At 36 minutes, Jhennifer almost scored again. She beat the opposing defender, shot as the goalkeeper came out, but the ball went just wide of the post.
Goal in injury time
At 49 minutes, Gabi Portilho took advantage of a beautiful cross from Yasmin and shot first time, celebrating with the fans in Marseille.
Brazil came back wanting more
At the start of the second half, Brazil returned quickly and had three opportunities to score again. Before the ten-minute mark, Priscila, Gabi Portilho, and Jhennifer each had chances to extend the lead.
Substitutions
Arthur Elias decided to make changes. At 10 minutes, he brought in Duda Sampaio and Adriana, replacing Angelina and Adriana. Shortly after, at 22 minutes, the coach made another change, with Ana Victoria coming on for Jhennifer.
Third goal
At 25 minutes, Adriana scored the third goal. Priscila launched a fast counterattack and passed to Adriana. The Orlando Pride player hit the crossbar. The ball came back for Gabi Portilho to set up Adriana for Brazil’s third goal.
More changes
At 30 minutes, Arthur Elias made his final substitutions, bringing on Kerolin and Gabi Nunes for Lauren and Priscila, respectively.
Spanish goal
At 39 minutes, Paralluelo scored for Spain, heading in the only goal for the opponents.
Fourth goal
At 45 minutes, Kerolin scored the winning goal. She advanced freely and shot under the opponent’s legs.
Second for Spain
Before the end, Paralluelo scored again, closing the match’s score.
