By Janina Nuno Rios
PARIS (Reuters) – Brazil reached the Olympic women’s football final as they claimed a stunning 4-2 win over world champions Spain in Marseille on Tuesday and will face the United States for the gold medal.
Playing their sixth Olympic semi, Brazil capitalised on a number of Spanish defensive mistakes to reach Saturday’s final at Parc des Princes where they will seek a maiden title against four-time champions U.S..
Brazil prevailed despite being without captain and all-time leading goalscorer Marta, who received a two-match ban after a red card in a 2-0 loss to Spain in their final group stage game.
They went ahead six minutes in after an attempted clearance by Spain keeper Cata Coll deflected off captain Irene Paredes into her own net.
The South Americans doubled their lead thanks to a Gabi Portilho effort following a superb pass from Yasmim in the final seconds of the first half.
Captain Adriana made it 3-0 with a close-range header after a fast counter attack in the 72nd minute before an own goal from Duda Sampaio reduced the deficit five minutes from time.
Brazil substitute Kerolin stole possession and found the net to seal the rout early in stoppage time before Spain’s Salma Paralluelo grabbed a consolation in the final minutes.
Spain will play for the bronze medal against Germany in Lyon on Friday.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Paris; Editing by Toby Davis)
Comments