Brazil lost 2-1 to Japan in the second round of the group stage of the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In three days, a decisive match against Spain, the current world champions, will determine qualification for the quarter-finals.
At the end of the first half, goalkeeper Lorena saved a penalty from Tanaka, the most dangerous player for the Asian team. Brazil was not playing well, but Jheniffer opened the scoring in the second half for the team led by Marta, who reached her 200th match with the national team.
READ MORE
++ The best Brazilian players who have played for FC Barcelona
++ The best Brazilian players who have played for Real Madrid
++ The best Brazilian players to play for Chelsea FC
When it seemed that the match would end that way, Japan made a comeback in the closing moments. First, they equalized through Kumagai, from the penalty spot, in the 46th minute, and then took the lead with a stunning goal from Tanikawa in the sixth minute of stoppage time, thanks to a long-range shot following a mistake by the Brazilian defense.
With this result, Brazil and Japan are tied on points and goal difference in Group C, although the Japanese have the advantage with one more goal in their favor. Spain has the same number of points, but with one less match, which they will play tomorrow against Nigeria.
On July 31, the Brazilian team will play for their chance to advance against the European team. The top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals.
