By Mackenzie Mills

IT WASN’T TIME WASTING, BRAZIL WON FAIR AND SQUARE.

MARSIELLE, France- Brazil record a historic Olympic win beating world champions Spain 4-2 on Tuesday.

This match carried huge significance to a lot of people. Marta (Orlando Pride), the game’s greatest was still absent from the pitch as her red card from the group stage was still active. Her fate was in the hands of her teammates.

The love for Spain’s Patri Guijarro (Barcelona) isn’t lost on us either, missing the world cup in protest of the Spanish Football Federation, she never had the opportunity to win gold, and this was her best chance.

The criticism was alive before the match had even started when Spain’s coaching staff made a tactical decision to leave Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro (Barcelona) out of the starting XI. Putellas has been Spain’s best player and sole creator, to leave her on the bench seemed ludicrous, but Spain would learn their lesson soon enough…..

The first 20 minutes weren’t amazing for either side, limited chances where created, and nerves had taken over.

An own goal from Spanish defender Irene Parades started the scoring fest. Spanish GK Cata Coll (Barcelona) was under pressure in the 6th minute, kicking the ball into the legs of Irene Parades (Barcelona) who was unfortunately placed in front of the goal.

To Brazil’s credit there 3-4-1-2 formation created a very high press, that perfectly countered Spain and limited their possession on the ball.

Brazil exposed the champions from the beginning with the fullbacks and centre half’s consistently failing to track back.

After the first goal, Spain seemed flat and Brazil continued to create high presses, creating nine shots and three big chances compared to Spain who had seven shots and zero big chances created.

The most crucial chance for Brazil came in the final minute of first half stoppage time when Gabi Portilho (Corinthians) forced a Spanish defensive error, slotting it home after a superb pass into the box from club teammate Yasmim (Corinthains).

As the second half approached you would expect Spain to make tactical substitutions to address Brazil’s high press and defensive exploitation, instead they made no substitutions and continued to play the football that was making them lose.

Brazil’s coach took advantage of this continuing to play a narrow front three, overloading the Spanish back line. The chances began straightaway in the second half.

Even after defensive substitutions from the world champions the defence failed to track back, Brazil Captain Adriana (Orlando Pride) took advantage of this in the 72nd minute after a fast counterattack forced Cata Coll (Barcelona) to make a world class save, a save that unfortunately wasn’t cleared and Adriana headered it into the back of the net to make it 3-0.

It was do or die for Spain now and Alexia (Barcelona) was finally subbed on in the 75th minute. Putellas created the most chances for Spain, and she played for 20 minutes. Her importance was made clear in the 85th minute when she set up Barcelona teammate Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona) who scrambled the ball into the goal.

During stoppage time Kerolin (North Carolina Courage) stole possession in the attacking half and nutmegged the Spanish GK to secure Brazil’s victory.

Salma Paralluelo scored a consolation goal in the final minutes of additional time, once again created by Alexia.

A few more missed chances for Spain before the final whistle, ending the world champions gold medal chances with a 4-2 victory. Setting up a final against the most successful women’s football team, the United States.

Sometimes we must remember two things can be true at once. Brazil deserves all the credit for a spectacular performance no doubt they deserved the win. But Spain’s failure to address defensive issues cost them a gold medal they could have easily won.

Reporting by Mackenzie Mills on 8th August 2024.