2024 Olympics: France hearts broken as Brazil reach semi-finals | OneFootball

In the last quarter-final of the 2024 Olympics, Brazil edged into the final four with a win over hosts France, putting the worry of Marta’s red card behind them.

The South American side required a moment of magic from Gabi Portilho to break down a resolute French defence. Brazil will face world champions Spain in the semi-finals, while the journey comes to an end on home soil for Les Bleues.

Starting XIs

France

Picaud; Renard, de Almeida, Karchaoui, Geyoro, Cascarino, Katoto, Bacha, Toletti, Baltimore, Nka

Brazil

Lorena; Tarciane, Rafaelle, Sampaio, Leal, Jhennifer, Ribeiro, Ferreira, Silva, Vitoria, Portilho

How it went

A nervy opening half saw neither side able to gain a real foothold in the game. France were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute after Delphine Cascarino was brought down inside the area. Sakina Karchaoui stepped up to take the spot kick however her effort was comfortably saved by Lorena.

While France dominated large spells of the game, they were unable to find the clinical edge they needed in front of goal. A few good chances went just wide for the hosts as the two sides went in goalless at the break.

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The second half brought a far more resolute Brazil side, although the game still lacked any real rhythm. Portilho finally broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute as she slotted the ball beyond Constance Picaud to give Brazil the lead. Despite the South Americans holding the lead, the final stages of the game were a nervy affair for Arthur Elias’ side. A barrage of French attacks left them forced to defend deep into the hefty 16 minutes of injury time.

Ultimately, the goal was enough to send Brazil through to the semi-finals, where a meeting with world champions Spain awaits. The two sides will meet at the Stade Orange Velodrome for Tuesday’s semi-final.

For France, the defeat spells the end of their Olympic journey, with Hervé Renard’s side equalling their finish from the 2016 Rio games.

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