2024 Olympics: Marta guaranteed Olympic medal as Brazil see off Spain | OneFootball

World champions Spain were left stunned after a six-goal thriller against Brazil saw them denied a spot in the 2024 Olympics final. After a 4-2 win, the South Americans will face four-time winners USA in Saturday’s gold medal match at the Parc des Princes.

Marta, who missed the last two matches for Brazil due to suspension, will have one last chance at an Olympic gold medal before she retires. Spain will face Germany in a bid to secure the Bronze medal at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon on Friday.

Starting XIs

Brazil

Lorena; Lauren, Tarciane, Thais, Yasmin, Ludmila, Yaya, Angelina, Gabi Portilho, Jhenifer, Priscila

Spain

Coll; Battle, Abelleira, Paredes, Bonmati, Caldentey, Paralluelo, Hermoso, Navarro, Codina, Olga

How it went

Brazil were forced to face the game without their captain and lead scorer Marta. The No.10 received a two-match suspension after a high tackle on Olga Carmona during the group stage. While Brazil had appealed the second game suspension, it was denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Brazil got the game off to a frantic start, forcing Spain into an early defensive mistake. The error saw the ball come back onto Irene Paredes, before flying into the net for a sixth-minute own goal. While it was Spain who dominated the first half possession, it was Brazil who put on the more convincing display. The South Americans subjected their opponents to a relentless barrage of attacks throughout the half.

Shortly before the break, Gabi Portilho made it two to Brazil. A pinpoint accurate cross from Yasmin set the No.18 up perfectly to fire the ball home to give her side a comfortable lead going in at halftime.

Embed from Getty Images

A third for Brazil came in the 72nd minute after a frantic start to the second half. Adriana Leal’s initial shot ricocheted back off the crossbar. Portilho’s header played the ball back in front of the No.9 who headed the effort home.

A late goal from Salma Paralluelo handed Spain a late route back into the tie. The forward capitalised on a failed clearance from Brazil in the 85th minute to put La Roja in with a late chance of a comeback.

Paralluelo bagged a second for Spain deep into the 15 minutes of injury time as Spain searched for a late route back into the tie. Despite a better period from Spain, Paralluelo’s brace proved to be little more than a consolation.

Final matches

The win over Spain guarantees that Marta will secure a medal in her final international tournament. Brazil will face the USA in the Olympic final as they contend for the gold medal. Emma Hayes’ side reached the final after beating Germany by a single goal.

Spain will take on Germany in the bronze medal match as they look to salvage their Olympic dreams. The two sides will meet in Lyon at the Groupama stadium for Friday’s third-place match.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: