Brazil pulled off a stunning upset in the Olympic women’s football semifinal on Tuesday, defeating reigning World Cup champions Spain 4-2 to secure a spot in the gold medal match. An own goal by Irene Paredes gave Brazil an early lead in Marseille, and Gabi Portilho doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time. Adriana extended the lead to 3-0 in the second half before Spain mounted a frantic comeback. A Duda Sampaio own goal and a strike by Salma Paralluelo brought Spain back into the game, but Kerolin sealed Brazil’s victory with a fourth goal.
Brazil is now guaranteed to at least match its previous best performance in Olympic women’s football, having won silver medals in 2004 and 2008. Both times, Brazil fell to the United States, who will be their opponent in the final on Saturday at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Meanwhile, Spain, making its Olympic debut a year after winning the World Cup for the first time, will face Germany in Lyon on Friday in the bronze medal playoff.
Brazil’s journey to the semifinals was not without its challenges. They barely made it out of their group as a best third-placed team after losing their final pool match to Spain, a game in which their legendary captain Marta was sent off. She missed the quarterfinal win over host France as a result and was also suspended for the semifinal. However, Brazil ultimately didn’t need her in either game.
The opening goal in the sixth minute was a comical affair. Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll blasted a clearance off Paredes, and the ball ricocheted into the net. Portilho, who scored the only goal against France in the last round, converted a cross from the left to make it 2-0 to Brazil right before halftime.
Adriana came off the bench and seemingly put the game beyond doubt in the 71st minute, scoring moments after her first attempt struck the crossbar. Duda Sampaio deflected a Paralluelo header into her own net, pulling one goal back for Spain late in the game. But Kerolin slotted in Brazil’s fourth goal through Coll’s legs, putting the outcome beyond doubt as the match went into extra time. Paralluelo added a second goal for Spain, making the final score 4-2, but it was a night to forget for Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and her teammates, even if they still have a chance to leave the Olympics with a medal.
