Following Spain’s thrilling comeback victory in Lyon, La Roja propelled themselves into their first Olympic semi-final, with late goals from Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes forcing the game into penalties, where the world champions ultimately triumphed 4-2.

The South American champions, Brazil, caused a stir by defeating hosts France to secure the final semi-final place. A late winner from Gabi Portilho against the run of play sealed the victory following an error in the French defence, leaving Les Bleus unable to find an equaliser. The upcoming semi-final match, a replay of matchday three’s group match, is of significant importance as both sides strive to reach the gold medal match on Saturday the 10th of August.

Head To Head

The sides last met in Bordeaux during the group stages of this summer’s Olympic Games. La Roja won 2-0 after goals from Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas, making it three-for-three wins in the group stages of their first Olympic Games. The game saw Brazil go down to ten as Marta was sent off before the break following a high-foot challenge on Olga Carmona, leaving the forward suspended for the quarter-final against France. 

Before this summer’s games, the history of matches between Brazil and Spain was marked by a balanced rivalry. Out of the five previous encounters, both teams claimed two wins each, with a draw in the mix. Other than the recent group stage victory, the last time the Spaniards found victory was from a friendly in 2019, where La Roja took a 2-1 lead through Putellas and Torrecilla. Brazil’s last victory against Spain was in 2017, when goals from Darlene and Rafaelle secured the three points, despite a penalty scored by Losada. 

In a friendly match in 2022 at the Estadio José Rico Pérez, the sides drew 1-1, with Putellas and Geyse contributing a score for their respective teams. However, it was Spain who dominated possession for the majority of the game, showcasing their strength and control on the field. 

The Side’s Olympic History

Spain, the reigning World champions and UEFA Women’s Nations League winners, entered this summer’s games with a wave of success from their 2023/24 campaign. Their current number-one world ranking is a testament to their recent dominance. However, this is their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, adding an element of anticipation to their performance.

Under the leadership of Montse Tome, La Roja have continued to be a force to be reckoned with- making a strong case for the gold. Their unbeaten run in Paris, which included a three-match win streak in the group stage and a thrilling comeback victory in the quarter-finals, instils confidence for the side’s potential success.

Compared to their European contenders, Brazil has reached the quarter-finals in all eight Olympic games it has participated in- making the final twice, and securing silver, in both 2004 and 2008.

However, this campaign has seen the Canarinhas produce their lowest loss rate- two out of the four games played- as they struggled to even make it out of the group stage.

Marta’s Olympic journey on the ropes

Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorer and captain, Marta- who is also a six-time World Player of the Year- may have a chance to appear in the semifinals after being suspended from the semifinals.

The 38-year-old has announced that she will retire from international football later this year. She has appeared at six Olympics and won two silver medals in both the 2004 and 2008 games, where the United States clinched victory from Brazil on both occasions.

Marta was dismissed in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time after her boot connected with the head of Spain’s Olga Carmona in a failed clearance attempt. This could have ended her Olympic career in tears, but her teammates were able to push through a tough game against France to hopefully give her another chance at a medal finish. 

Speaking on the impact of Marta’s suspension, defender Tamires Cássia Dias de Britto said: “Marta was very upset about the red card, but we had another reason to win this game. We had to do it for her and for everything she represents in world football.”

“She didn’t deserve to end her Olympic career the way she could have if we had gone on to lose the match. Today we also played for her and for our whole family, for the people who support us so much and who know how hard it is to give up so many things and play every day and give our all to take Brazil to the level they deserve, which is at the top.”

With 119 international goals, Marta has been the driving force behind women’s football in Brazil, and will be hoping to live out her dream of securing gold at the Olympic Games.

Since Marta’s suspension, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee suggested a two-match suspension, arguing that the player committed a serious foul. This would mean that she would still be out for the semi-final, but the Brazilian Football Confederation and Brazilian Olympic Committee have started a request for a stay of the punishment to allow Marta to participate in the game against Spain.

Having experienced five Olympic semi finals and becoming a tournament mainstay, Brazil will be hoping to help bring a fairytale finish to Marta’s international- whilst Spain will be looking to continue their winning streak on search of their first Olympic medal.

Match Details

Marseille Stadium, Marseille

Kick-off: 21:00 (CEST) or 20:00 (BST)