By Mackenzie Mills

LA REINA V LA RAINHA, SOMETIMES SCRIPT WRITING GOES WRONG AS SPAIN DOMINATE 2-0.

BORDEAUX, France, July 31st – Spain continued their tournament dominance with a 2-0 win over dark horses Brazil.

For the past 20yrs Brazil has relied on Marta, to do something sensational, to carry them through, to inspire. Now in the dying moments Marta must rely on Brazil. The Greatest Female Footballer of All Time’s fate is in the hands of her teammates.

Marta (Orlando Pride) was sent off in first half stoppage time after a high kick connected with Spanish player Olga Carmona (Real Madrid).

Before Marta’s red card Brazil started the match on a positive note, to guarantee a place in the knockouts they needed to win, the first half seemed positive. Whilst they didn’t prove goalscoring threats they held off all Spain’s offensive ability.

The outstanding defensive performance coming from 21 year old Tarciane (Houston Dash). This meant there where limited chances for either side.

Brazil had most of the early possession, the Spanish champions struggled to break their defence leaving the game goalless at the end of the 45.

It was moments after this Marta (Orlando Pride) received her red card. The Brazilian legend left the pitch in a fit of tears, in what will have been the last time she plays for Brazil. Spanish and Brazilian players rushed over to console the great, her international career ended in the most horrific of ways.

To Brazil’s credit they came out for the second half with the same intention as the first, gaining momentum during the 60th minute mark creating a few shots on target. This was killed in the 68th minute after they failed to clear the ball in the box and Athenea de Castillo (Real Madrid) tapped it into the back of the net.

Patri Guijjaro (Barcelona) was replaced in the 59th minute by Midfield compatriot Alexia Putellas due to injury, with Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) replacing Jenni Hermoso (Tigres).

The South American team held a tight defence for the rest of 90, trying to control the sprints of Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona) and giants such as, Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) and Alexia Putellas (Barcelona).

Brazil’s most important opportunity came in the 105th minute when Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid) saved Gabi Nunes’ (Levante UD) powerful header from the middle of the box.

The almost 20 minutes of extra time saw the Brazilians scramble to keep the Spanish at bay. There was nervy goalkeeping and defending until Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) took her chance in the 105th minute.

Yasmim Riberio’s (Corinthians) clearance was left to the feet of several Spanish players before being passed to Alexia Putellas who struck home a wonder goal from outside the box. 2 goals in 2 games for the 2 time Ballon D’or winner.

Brazil’s loss meant quarterfinal qualifications was out of their hands. Brazil finished second of the third-place teams with three points and a goal difference of -2.

The South American will be without there all-time top scorer when the play the home nation France on the 3rd of August.

Marta’s fate will be decided by her 17 teammates who will do anything to win because at the end of the day, women’s football is where it is because of Marta.

The World Cup champions, and Olympic debutants will face Colombia on the 3rd of August.

Reporting by Mackenzie Mills on1st August 2024.