World Cup winners Spain suffered a 4-2 defeat to Brazil in the Paris 2024 semi-finals tonight after failing to cope with the Seleção’s constant pressure.
The two sides last met during the final group game of the Paris Olympics, where Spain won 2-0. Would history repeat itself, or would Brazil redeem themselves?
Brazil began with constant pressure, which paid off just six minutes in as they took the lead. A mistake from Cata Coll resulted in the ball deflecting off Irene Paredes, who inadvertently put it into her own net.
Spain found themselves in continuous danger as Brazil persisted with their attacks, exploiting gaps in the Spanish defence. The danger didn’t end for Spain; in the 37th minute, a defensive mistake left Priscila one-on-one with Cata Coll, but the chance went wide.
In the additional four minutes of the first half, Spain regained some control, but it wasn’t enough. Brazil once again managed to break through the defence, with Gabi Portilho putting her team two ahead at half-time with a one-touch finish.
The second half began with Brazil relentlessly continuing their pressure. Their constant attacks resulted in multiple chances, but they failed to capitalize on them until Adriana scored the third goal. Following a rebound off the crossbar, the ball landed back towards her feet, and she scored with a diving header.
Spain began their attempted comeback with six minutes to go. Salma Paralluelo, assisted by Jenni Hermoso, opened the scoring for Spain with a header on the edge of the six-yard box.
However, it seemed over for the World Cup winners when Kerolin went one-on-one with Cata Coll, mimicking her teammate Priscila’s earlier chance. She slid the ball straight through Coll’s legs and into the goal.
Spain had other plans. With three minutes remaining, Brazil conceded from a set piece, and Spain started to dominate the game. Their efforts came too late, as with so little time remaining, they were unable to make the same comeback they did in the quarter-final.
Despite their loss, you can watch Spain in the bronze medal match against Germany on Friday 9 August at 2pm BST.
Olympic finalists Brazil will face Emma Hayes’ USA for the Olympic gold medal on Saturday 10 August at 4pm BST.
Starting XIs:
Brazil: Lorena, Thaís Ferreira, Tarciane, Lauren, Yasmim, Yayá, Angelina, Ludmila, Jheniffer, Priscila, Gabi Portilho
Spain: Cata Coll, Olga Carmona, Laia Codina, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Jenni Hermoso, Teresa Abelleira, Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo, Eva Navarro
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