Olympics 2024: Can Brazil Give Marta a Proper Send-Off?

Brazil vs United States

The long and arduous road to the Olympics 2024 women’s football event has finally reached its final stage.

A test between two nations with storylines on the opposite sides of the spectrum—a hope for a perfect finale, whilst the other look to start their dominance anew.

Can Emma Hayes, in just her second month of being the USWNT manager, deliver a record-extending fifth Olympic title? Or can the Canarinhas finally break through and win their first title in the tournament, giving the legendary Marta the perfect farewell?

I’m sure fans are excited for this one, so without further ado, let’s dive into it, shall we?

 

Talking Points

Brazil can hit two birds with one stone

The upcoming final is one that has plenty of implications for Brazil. The two-time Olympic silver medallists always had a hard time dealing with the United States when it comes to the Summer Games—they’ve lost twice in the final in Athens and Beijing, and once in the semi-final in Sydney.

So it’s safe to say that in their first meeting in the final since Carli Lloyd sent them home with a late winner in 2008, redemption is what fans and players alike seek.

Their road to the final was a tall order, which they climbed to perfection. They weren’t even the best third-placed team, so they were extremely fortunate to advance into the knockout stages.

In their opening match against Nigeria, Gabi Nunes’ goal proved to be enough to squeak past a tight game. Their luck turned sour, however, in their match against Japan, when what looked to be a sure victory turned into a 1-2 defeat after conceding two goals in stoppage time.

Brazil’s final match in the group stages was also one to forget. Despite a dominant performance by Spain, the red card shown to Marta was perhaps the darkest moment to come out of that match.

Everyone thought it would be the last time fans got to see the 38-year-old legend don the famed yellow kit. But Brazil were handed a lifeline because of the tournament format.

In the quarter-final, they faced host nation France. The hosts were leading the match in all aspects and had more chances to close the game out. But Brazil were the ones to capitalise; all they needed was one chance, and it came in the form of Gabi Portilho’s 82^nd minute goal.

A rematch with Spain was their reward. The Spaniards were exhausted and weary, and in a battle of attrition, the reigning world champions were booted out in a goal fest.

Now they face the United States, where a Brazil win has become hard to come by. But with Marta playing in her final Olympics, perhaps they can have an inspired performance and sneak past the dominant Americans.

 

Emma Hayes’ well-oiled machines

The USWNT have yet to lose in the entire tournament. They’ve also allowed only a couple goals so far and have three players out of the top five scorers in the event. Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman all have three goals each, and it’s highly likely that one of them will add to their tally in the final.

All the doubts that the Stars and Stripes will struggle and fail to secure an elusive gold medal they last won in 2012 have been put to shame. Emma Hayes, as it is currently looking, seems to be the perfect woman for the job.

 

History

As already mentioned, the Olympic rivalry between the two tends to side with the United States for the most part. But if you think Brazil had a favourable match-up with their upcoming opponent in other competitions, then you’re in for a rude awakening.

Since 2007, both sides have faced each other a total of 20 times. The result only favoured Brazil three times, with the last one happening way back in 2014. The United States have been the victors 14 times, whilst they have drawn three other times as well.

 

Betting Tip

Make no mistake about it, this is an emotional game for Brazil. From Marta’s swan song to a chance at winning their first Olympic gold medal, they will be pressured to give it their 101 per cent.

They have players who can make the difference between a gold and a silver medal, like Gabi Portilho, Lorena, Tarciane and Rafaelle. If you think they have what it takes to make history, the SBOTOP Olympics 2024 odds have them as underdogs at 3.43.

However, if you think this one will have plenty of goals—which makes for a fun contest—then have a go at putting money on 4-6 total goals which is priced at 4.03.

But it would be wise to heed my advice, as this USWNT will have this over in a heartbeat—they are the best team in the tournament by a mile, and have produced the most Olympics 2024 highlights.

As much as we all love to see Marta ride off into the sunset, they will most likely settle for yet another silver.

It’s not rainbows and butterflies in the harsh footballing world.

   

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