The Brazilian women’s national team returns to an Olympic final after 16 years. Its opponent for the gold medal match in Paris 2024 is none other than the United States, the most successful team in the competition. And it’s also a team that has already gained the upper hand on many occasions against the Selecao Feminina.
Brazil haven’t beaten the US women’s team since December 2014, when they secured a 3-2 victory with a hat-trick from Marta in a friendly match held in Brasilia. Interestingly, the legendary player will be available for Saturday’s final (10th) after serving a two-match suspension for a red card received at the group stage finale.
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In addition to the six-time World Player of the Year, two current members of the Brazilian squad were part of that team: backup goalkeeper Luciana and left-back Tamires, who will miss the final due to an ankle injury. The United States, on the other hand, have two players who participated in that defeat and are competing in this year’s Olympics: goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and left-back Crystal Dunn, both starters.
Brazil’s record against the United States in women’s football
Nonetheless, Brazil’s historical record against this opponent in women’s football is not encouraging. Their last victory from nearly 10 years ago was only their fourth against this rival, who clinched the gold medal against the Brazilian team in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
These sides have met on 42 occasions, with 33 victories from the US and five draws.
They have faced each other nine times since Brazil’s last victory, with seven wins for the United States and two draws.
The most recent meeting between Brazil and the United States came earlier this year, in March, during the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup final, where Arthur Elias’s team lost 1-0.
The United States are the greatest powerhouse in women’s football, boasting four World Cups and four Olympic gold medals. But will the Brazilian national team pull off an upset in Paris this year?
