Brazil got their 2024 Olympics campaign off to a positive start with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria, in the Nigerian side’s first time at the Olympics in 16 years.
Brazil is a strong side, having reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 Olympics and finishing fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Brazilian legend Marta is starting in her sixth Olympics, giving her the opportunity to set a goalscoring record.
Nigeria got off to a good start, forcing Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena to make several close diving saves. But as the first half drew on, Brazil gained back control.
In the 36th minute, Marta received a pass with her right foot which she sent onwards into the goal, with the ball reaching the net after hitting the inside of the top of the woodwork.
Though this goal was ruled offside, just a minute after, Gabi Nunes managed to break past and convert an assist from Marta into a goal for Brazil.
The rest of the opening half had some chances for both sides, but neither team was able to put one through and add to the scoreboard before reaching half time.
The second half saw a similar battle with both sides coming close to scoring.
Marta had several good chances to score, with the Brazilian goal scorer needing to score just one goal to equal the Olympic top scoring record, currently held by Brazilian forward Cristiane with 14 goals scored across four games.
Marta is the highest goal scorer of all time for Brazil, across both the men’s and women’s game, having scored 116 goals in 175 matches.
The 38-year-old, affectionately known as “Queen Marta,” has said that the Olympics will be her last tournament.
While Nigeria played and fought well, the game ultimately finished with victory for Brazil, who took all 3 points as Nigeria moved to third in Group C.
Up next:
Nigeria will play World Cup winners Spain on Sunday 28 July, before finishing off the group stage by playing Japan.
Brazil will play Japan on Sunday, before taking on Spain.
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