Spain secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 Olympics with a commanding 2-0 win over Brazil in Bordeaux.
The result saw the World Cup champions finish at the top of Group A with a perfect record, while Brazil progressed as one of the best third-place finishers despite the loss.
First half: A tense battle
Both teams entered the match with high stakes. Spain, already through to the knockouts, sought to maintain their perfect record, while Brazil needed a result to secure their progression.
Spain started strongly, with Olga Carmona sending a dangerous ball early in the match, but Lucía García’s effort went wide. García had another chance when Patri Guijarro headed the ball down to her, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Brazil, despite having more possession in the first twenty minutes, struggled to create clear chances. Spain’s Teresa Abelleira tested Brazilian keeper Lorena from distance, but Lorena managed to parry the shot away.
The first half ended in drama as Brazilian legend Marta was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Carmona, leaving Brazil with ten players for the remainder of the match.
Second half: Spain seizes control
With a player advantage, Spain capitalised in the second half. Brazil, down to ten, fought valiantly, but Spain’s pressure eventually paid off. In the 68th minute, Mariona Caldentey’s cross, slightly deflected, found Athenea del Castillo, who tapped it in from close range.
Brazil tried to respond with Kerolin and Ludmila da Silva pushing forward, but the Spanish defence held firm.
Deep into injury time, Spain doubled their lead. Alexia Putellas finished a well-placed cross, ensuring Spain’s victory and sealing Brazil’s fate.
Spain’s victory marked their third win in the group stages, making them the top team in Group A. Brazil, finishing third, still managed to progress to the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams, but they face a challenging path ahead.
Starting XIs
Brazil: Lorena, Antonia, Tarciane, Lauren, Tamires, da Silva, Sampaio, Yaya, Marta, Kerolin, Leal
Spain: Coll, Carmona, Aleixandri, Codina, Batlle, Abelleira, Navarro, Guijarro, del Castillo, Hermoso, García
Featured image courtesy of Sam Javanrouh via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. License details found here.
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