France, the host of the Olympics, will strive to advance to the semi-final round as they go up against Brazil in the last-eight showdown in Nantes on Saturday.
With six points earned from three games, France finished at the top of Group A, while Brazil secured their spot as one of the top third-placed teams.
France is in the quarterfinals for the third time. They reached this stage in 2012 and 2016. Despite a lacklustre performance in their initial two matches, the French women’s football team managed to progress further in the competition.
France secured a narrow victory over New Zealand on 31 July, triumphing 2-1. Paris Saint-Germain forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto contributing her second brace in three matches, totalling five goals overall.
Brazil faced challenges in the group stage. The team started their journey with a close 1-0 victory against Nigeria. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Japan with two late goals in their second group game.
Team News
France remains optimistic that captain Wendie Renard will be deemed fit to play, despite her absence in the victory against New Zealand due to injury. Sandi Toletti and Kadidatou Diani may return to the starting lineup after being benched for the last group mach.
Katoto aims to maintain her impressive performance, having netted five goals in three group matches, placing her at the top of the Olympic scoring leaderboard.
Antonia sustained an injury during the last group stage match, casting uncertainty on her availability for Saturday’s match. Brazil coach, Arthur Elias, may consider making changes to his lineup, with Gabi Portilho and Jheniffer potential candidates for a starting position.
Brazil have also advanced to the last eight without their star player Marta Vieria da Silva, who is their all-time leading goal scorer. Marta, a six-time World Player of the Year and a football icon at 38 years old, was red-carded during Brazil’s final group stage game against Spain for a dangerous challenge.
In the sixth minute of the first half stoppage time, with the score still tied, Marta received a red card from the referee without hesitation, as the challenge was reckless and dangerous, leaving no room for argument. As the ball was airborne, she raised her leg to strike it, coinciding with Spain’s Olga Carmona attempting to head the ball.
Consequently, Marta inadvertently kicked Carmona in the head rather than contacting the ball, leading to her dismissal from the match. Although Carmona required medical attention, she was able to resume playing shortly thereafter.
This unfortunate incident may mark the end of her illustrious international career, as she is set to retire from international football this year.
Despite this, Marta leaves behind a remarkable legacy with a record 119 goals in 200 international appearances for Brazil. Marta has 13 Olympic goals, one away from matching Brazilian Cristiane’s record.
France vs. Brazil odds
France Women are favoured to win their upcoming match. With a 60.00% win probability compared to Brazil’s 20.80%. Both teams are contending for a spot in the semi-finals.
Previous Games
Recent games among these nations have been engaging. France has dominated, scoring six wins and one draw from their last seven encounters against Brazil.
France Women possible starting lineup: Peyraud-Magnin; Lakrar, Mbock, Renard, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Toletti, Bacha; Diani, Cascarino, Katoto
Brazil Women possible starting lineup: Lorena; Thais, Tarciane, Lauren, Tamires; Ludmila, Duda, Yaya, Jheniffer; Kerolin, Portilho
Prediction – France 3 Brazil 1
France struggled in the group stage. The French team is likely to win with the advantage of playing at home against their South American opponents.
We believe they will have sufficient capability to defeat a Brazil team that might be lacking in confidence following back-to-back losses.
It is anticipated that Les Bleues will score three goals, but it wouldn’t be unexpected for Brazil to also score one.
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