August 4 – Superstar Marta helped Brazil to retain their South American crown, winning a penalty shootout 5-4 against Colombia following a dramatic 4-4 draw in the final of the Copa America.
Marta was the protagonist and saviour of Brazil in a final that went down to the wire with two late goals. Brazil’s veteran star had started the final on the bench before rescuing her side with a 96th-minute equaliser after Colombia had taken the lead three times to take the match to extra time.
Her strike was stunning: a half-volley from outside the box that she rifled with precision into the back of the net.
Marta then put Brazil in the lead in the 105th minute but Colombia dug deep to equalise through Leicy Santos. In the penalty shootout, Marta missed the spotkick that would have clinched the championship as Kathe Tapia parried her attempt, but ultimately Brazil prevailed to claim a record ninth continental title.
“When she missed the penalty, there were other players who could have led Brazil to the title, and that’s always been the case in women’s football,” said Brazil manager Arthur Elias.
“It was never just Marta, and she never wanted that. And being around her is impressive: her humility, her camaraderie, her quality.
“World football has Marta as its greatest icon. She’s historic, but it’s a collective game. For many years, it was very difficult for her to have this responsibility to change women’s football in Brazil, and it’s not about that, but about investment and respect, and on the field, it’s no different. They’re always together, and other players took the penalty very well. Our goalkeeper is brilliant, she is also having a great time. It’s each one’s story, but they come together on the field.”
The win rubber-stamped Brazil’s dominance of the South American women’s game. It was their record ninth Copa America title. Since the tournament’s maiden edition in 1991, Brazil have featured in every final, losing only the 2006 final to Argentina.
It was the fourth time that Colombia and Brazil played each other in the final after 2010, 2014 and 2022. The pair have been rewarded with a spot in the women’s tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
A year before the LA stage, Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the first time the tournament has been staged in South America. Marta has previously said that her participation in the finals will depend on the timing of her desire to become a mother.
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