Women's Copa America Final Drama: Brazil Emerges Victorious in Penalty Shootout Against Colombia
Brazil Defend Women's Copa America Title with Penalty Shootout Victory
Brazil successfully defended their Women's Copa America title in a thrilling match against Colombia. The final, held at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, Ecuador, ended in a 4-4 draw after extra time, but Brazil prevailed in the subsequent penalty shootout, winning 5-4.
The match was a rematch of the 2022 final, which Brazil also won 1-0. The contest was marked by its physicality and tension, with both teams creating early chances and battling fiercely throughout.
In the first half, Brazil scored their equaliser through a penalty kick by Angelina in the dying moments. Colombia took the lead in the 25th minute with a goal by Linda Caicedo, but Brazil responded quickly when Amanda Gutierres scored her sixth goal of the tournament to equalise in the 79th minute.
However, Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute with a self-inflicted own goal by Tarciane. The score remained 2-1 in favour of Colombia until the 90+6th minute, when Marta, a late substitute, scored the equalising goal for Brazil, sending the game into extra time.
The extra time period saw more back-and-forth action, with Colombia finding an equaliser to send the match to penalties. The penalty shootout was dramatic, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina missed her attempt. However, Brazil kept their composure, with key players such as Debinha executing their penalties successfully.
Marta's late heroics were crucial in the final. She scored two legendary goals, including the stoppage-time equaliser that saved Brazil from defeat and gave them the chance to win in the shootout. The victory marked Brazil’s ninth Copa América Femenina title.
The shootout was intense, reflecting the high-pressure environment, but Brazil managed to stay calm and precise, ultimately clinching the victory. The final blow came when Lorena saved Leicy Santos' effort, and Carabali's miss in the shootout finally handed Brazil the title.
After the match, Brazil's Amanda Gutierres expressed her appreciation for the competitive nature of the final and congratulated Colombia on their efforts. The win marked a successful defence of Brazil's Women's Copa America title, with Marta's late goals proving to be the decisive factor in the final.
[1] BBC Sport [2] ESPN [3] Goal.com [4] The Guardian [5] CBS Sports
Sports news outlets like BBC Sport, ESPN, Goal.com, The Guardian, and CBS Sports reported on Brazil’s victory in the Women's Copa America final, which they defended with a penalty shootout win against Colombia, following a thrilling 4-4 draw after extra time. The triumph marked Brazil's ninth Copa América Femenina title, with Marta's late, crucial goals proving decisive in the final.
