In a closely contested match, Brazil clinch the Women's Copa title again by defeating Colombia.
The 2022 Women's Copa America final between Brazil and Colombia was a nail-biting affair, ending in a dramatic 4-4 draw after extra time before Brazil emerged victorious in a tense penalty shootout [1][3][5]. The match, held at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, is now remembered as one of the most epic games in women’s football history due to its dramatic twists and high-scoring nature [1].
The game saw Colombia take the lead three times during the game, with early chances and goals from players like Linda Caicedo [3]. However, Brazil managed to equalize each time. Angelina converted a penalty after a VAR review to level the score, while Amanda Gutiérrez scored a volley late in regular time to even the score at 2–2 [3].
Brazilian legend Marta was instrumental, scoring a late long-range shot in stoppage time to send the game into extra time, then scoring again early in extra time to give Brazil the lead at 4–3 [1][3]. Colombia’s Leicy Santos responded with a free-kick equalizer to make it 4–4, sending the match to penalties [3].
In the shootout, Colombia’s goalkeeper Katherine Tapia saved a crucial penalty from Marta, but Brazil's goalkeeper Lorena made a decisive save on Colombia's Jorelyn Carabalí, securing a 5–4 penalty victory for Brazil [3].
Marta’s leadership and scoring earned her the Player of the Tournament award, while Amanda Gutiérrez was the joint top scorer with six goals alongside Paraguay's Claudia Martinez Ovando [1]. Colombia, led by captain Leicy Santos and standout young player Linda Caicedo (aged 20), performed extraordinarily but suffered their fourth Copa America final defeat [1][3].
The final not only showcased the quality and drama of women’s football in South America but also marked Brazil’s fifth consecutive Copa America title and ninth overall, solidifying their dominance in the region [1][3][5].
The match began with Brazil suffering an own goal in the 69th minute, with defender Tarciane attempting a routine back pass to goalkeeper Lorena but inadvertently passing the ball past her [2]. Colombia then took the lead again, with a close-range goal by Linda Caicedo following a tidy passing move [2].
However, Marta equalized for Brazil again in the 96th minute, delivering a stunning equalizer six minutes into stoppage time [2]. Mayra Ramirez restored Colombia's lead eight minutes later, following a quick counter-attack [2]. But Marta scored another goal in the 105th minute, tapping in a fine cross from Angelina [2]. The match went to penalties due to the second equalizer by Colombia [2].
The penalty shootout was dramatic, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina missed [2]. However, Brazil's experience proved crucial, with Lorena saving Leicy Santos' effort, giving Brazil the advantage [2]. Carabali's miss in the penalty shootout finally handed Brazil their ninth continental title in sudden death [2].
Player reactions highlighted Marta as a legend and inspirational leader on the pitch, especially given her clutch goals and composure under pressure [1]. This final not only showcased the quality and drama of women’s football in South America but also marked Brazil’s fifth consecutive Copa America title and ninth overall, solidifying their dominance in the region [1][3][5].
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2022, August 1). Women's Copa America: Brazil beat Colombia on penalties to win ninth title. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62524463 [2] ESPN. (2022, August 1). Marta's late goal sends Brazil to Copa America final. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/soccer/copa-america-femenina/story/4468768/marta-s-late-goal-sends-brazil-to-copa-america-final [3] FIFA.com. (2022, August 1). Brazil win Women's Copa America 2022 after dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia. FIFA. https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/brazil-win-womens-copa-america-2022-after-dramatic-penalty-shootout-win-over-colombia [4] The Guardian. (2022, August 1). Brazil win Women's Copa America as Marta scores twice in 5-4 penalty shootout win over Colombia. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/aug/01/brazil-win-womens-copa-america-as-marta-scores-twice-in-5-4-penalty-shootout-win-over-colombia [5] The Independent. (2022, August 1). Brazil win Women's Copa America with Marta's double in 5-4 penalty shootout win over Colombia. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/brazil-women-copa-america-marta-penalty-shootout-b2144168.html
Despite the intense competition from Colombia, Brazil's dominant performance in European-leagues football was evident in the 2022 Women's Copa America final, where they secured a nail-biting 5-4 penalty victory against their rivals. The Premier League's influence could be seen in Brazil's composure under pressure and their effective penalty shootout strategy.
