Brazil women’s football team has reached the Olympics final by defeating Spain 4-2 despite barely advancing past the group stage as the best losers, thanks to a victory over the Super Falcons.
In a semi-final clash, Brazil avenged their earlier group stage loss to Spain, which had ended 2-0 in favour of the World Cup winners after a red card to Marta.
Now, the South American champions have secured a spot in the gold medal match against the USA.
Spain, who have been struggling to replicate their usual brilliance throughout the Olympics, faltered again.
Arthur Elias’s Brazilian side took advantage early on. An unsteady clearance from Catalina Coll was deflected by a Brazilian forward, inadvertently hitting Irene Paredes and finding its way into the net, giving Brazil the lead.
Though Spain maintained possession, they appeared vulnerable, and Brazil capitalized on every forward move.
Just before half-time, Gabi Portilho doubled Brazil’s lead by side-footing home a cross from Yasmin.
In the second half, Spain tried to mount a comeback by pushing more bodies forward, but this only made them more prone to Brazilian counterattacks.
Brazil extended their lead to 3-0 in the 71st minute with a brilliant assist from Portilho to Ariana, who finished past an advancing Coll.
Salma Paralluelo pulled one back for Spain in the 81st minute.
During a period of Spanish dominance, which hinted at a potential comeback, Kerolin sealed the win for Brazil by finishing between Coll’s legs to make it 4-1.
Paralluelo scored again in additional time, reducing the deficit to 4-2, but Brazil held firm to secure a famous victory over the world champions.
