The women’s football in the country, increasingly in tune with Brazilian fans, has demonstrated its strength on several occasions. The silver medals in 2004 and 2008 hold special value for the athletes, and the campaigns in the World Cups of 1999 and 2007 also marked an era. In all these competitions, the National Team had memorable performances.
In 1999, the team started the World Cup in the USA with a crushing 7-1 victory over Mexico. It showcased its prowess with three goals from Sissi, three from Pretinha, and one from Kátia Cilene. In the second match, another significant win: 2-0 against Italy, with two goals from Sissi.
Following that, in an exciting match, they drew with the powerful Germany (3-3), with goals from Sissi, Maycon, and Kátia Cilene. Nigeria, whom they will meet again this Thursday (25), was the first opponent in the knockout stage, resulting in another 3-3 draw. This led the match to extra time, where Brazil managed to score again: 4-3. Cidinha (2), Nenê, and Sissi scored for the National Team.
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They qualified for the semifinal, where they faced the hosts, whose potential was evident. The 2-0 defeat to the United States did not tarnish the National Team’s impressive campaign in that World Cup. For a well-deserved conclusion, they won on penalties against Norway (5-4) in the third-place match, after a goalless draw in 90 minutes and extra time.
In the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the National Team shone once again. They debuted with a 1-0 win over Australia (Marta). In the second match, they lost to the USA 2-0, but bounced back in the last group stage match with a 7-0 rout of Greece (Pretinha, Cristiane (3), Marta, Daniela Alves, and Grazielle).
In the quarterfinals, they easily defeated Mexico: 5-0 (Cristiane (2), Formiga (2), and Marta). Many believed the National Team would not get past Sweden in the semifinals. Those who bet on that were mistaken: they won 1-0, with a goal from Pretinha.
Reaching the final for the gold medal was already an unprecedented achievement for the National Team. They started at a disadvantage against the USA, who scored 1-0 in the first half. They responded and equalized with Pretinha, who took advantage of a rebound from the American goalkeeper after a shot from Cristiane.
After that, the team was clearly superior and hit the post twice against the USA, with Cristiane and Pretinha. The draw led to extra time. Early on, a clear penalty committed by the USA was ignored by the referee. After a few more minutes, the opponent scored 2-1 and won the match.
The pursuit of the highest position in major competitions continued, with the same dedication and commitment as always. In the 2007 World Cup, the National Team would also compete for the title and finish as runners-up in China.
That journey began with a rout over New Zealand: 5-0 (Cristiane, Marta (2), Renata Costa, and Daniela Alves). In the second round, another significant score: 4-0 against the host country, China (Marta (2) and Cristiane (2)). To finish the group stage with a 100% record, they secured another victory – 1-0 against Denmark (Pretinha).
In the quarterfinals, with a great performance, the Brazilian National Team defeated Australia (3-2 – Formiga, Marta, and Cristiane) and qualified to face the USA in the semifinals.
In the match against the Americans, Brazil put on a show and delivered a historic rout – 4-0, with two goals from Marta, one from Cristiane, and another own goal from Leslie Osborne. They reached the final to face Germany, where they were defeated 2-0 in a closely contested match, with several goal-scoring opportunities missed by the Yellow Team.
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing also showcased a Brazilian National Team with skill, technique, and talent to go far. In their debut, they faced Germany, and the score remained 0-0. In the second match, they defeated North Korea 2-1 (Daniela Alves and Marta) and then overcame Nigeria: 3-1, with three goals from Cristiane.
From then on, Brazil only played against top teams. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Norway with a strong performance: 2-1 (Daniela Alves and Marta). In the semifinals, the opponent was Germany, then two-time world champions, and the final of the 2007 Cup was still fresh in the Brazilian players’ minds. It was another great display: 4-1 (Formiga, Cristiane (2), and Marta).
In the final, they faced the United States again and played a balanced match once more. The gold medal decision was only resolved in extra time, after a 0-0 draw in regular time. The USA would win 1-0.
In the subsequent World Cups and Olympics, the National Team did not have luck in other crucial moments and fell short. Now, in the France Games, with a team that mixes experience and youth, and with athletes who have international experience, the National Team rekindles its pursuit of the dream.
