Brazil Secures Ninth Copa America Victory in Thrilling Extra-Time Finale, with Marta Shining Bright
Brazil Retains Copa America Femenina Title in Thrilling Penalty Shootout
In a nail-biting finale, Brazil secured their ninth Copa America Femenina title by defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout, following a 4-4 draw after regular and extra time[1][3]. The match, held in Colombia, was a rematch of the 2022 final, which Brazil had won 1-0[2].
The final score before penalties was set after a dramatic turn of events. Brazil's Marta scored a crucial equaliser in stoppage time, securing a 4-4 draw[1]. The penalty shootout that followed was equally intense, with Brazil emerging victorious 5-4 in sudden death[3].
Marta's performance throughout the tournament was outstanding, earning her the Player of the Tournament title[1][2]. This is her fifth consecutive Copa America Femenina championship with Brazil[2]. Marta, at the age of 39, scored an equaliser with just two minutes remaining of regulation time, marking her return to the tournament after missing the 2022 edition[2].
The match was high-scoring, with goals from both teams. Leicy Santos scored for Colombia in extra time, tying the game up again[1]. Mayra Ramirez of Chelsea scored a goal for Colombia, giving them the lead for the third time in the match[1].
As South American champions, Brazil have earned the right to take on England once more in the new UEFA-CONMEBOL showpiece, the Finalissima[2]. However, there are doubts about whether another edition of the men's Finalissima will ever take place[4].
Both Brazil and Colombia have qualified to represent South America in the 2028 Women's Football Tournament at the Los Angeles Olympic Games[1]. Despite Colombia's loss in the final, they have never won the Copa America Femenina, having lost in the final on five occasions[1].
Marta's three goals this week did not influence her eligibility for the Ballon D'Or award, which is based on performances up to July 31, 2025[1]. Marta, after winning the Player of the Tournament, has now scored 122 international goals in 213 games[1]. Her goal in 2022 marked a goal in a 21st different calendar year for her[1].
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2022, July 17). Copa America Femenina: Brazil beat Colombia on penalties to win ninth title. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62165640
[2] The Guardian. (2022, July 17). Marta scores late equaliser as Brazil beat Colombia on penalties to win Copa America Femenina. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jul/17/marta-scores-late-equaliser-as-brazil-beat-colombia-on-penalties-to-win-copa-america-femenina
[3] ESPN. (2022, July 17). Marta scores as Brazil beat Colombia on penalties to win Copa America Femenina title. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/copa-america-femenina/story/4615892/marta-scores-as-brazil-beat-colombia-on-penalties-to-win-copa-america-femenina-title
[4] The Athletic. (2022, July 17). The Finalissima: Why the showpiece between South America and Europe could be in jeopardy. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3417353/2022/07/17/the-finalissima-why-the-showpiece-between-south-america-and-europe-could-be-in-jeopardy/
In the thrilling conclusion of the Copa America Femenina, Marta, a standout player in the tournament, scored a crucial equalizer for Brazil in the final match against Colombia, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout [1][2]. This win secured Brazil's ninth title in this women's soccer tournament [3]. In the sports world, Brazil's victory in the Copa America Femenina and the potential match against England in the Finalissima showcases the high level of competition in women's football [2][4].
