Brazil joins the FIFA Women’s World Cup still in pursuit of its first global victory. They were defeated finalists in 2007, but since then have disappointed, losing in the last 16 in 2015 and 2019 and the quarterfinals in 2011. But a new generation led by Pia Sundhage is hopeful that things would turn out differently this time. This youthful squad won the 2022 Copa América by winning all of their games, with their adaptability being a crucial strength. They may not have felt the pressure that older teams did. For instance, Antônia, Kathleen, and Ary Borges all played numerous positions.
With only Marta on the roster, the club no longer largely relies on the illustrious three of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga. Sundhage frequently makes a point of thanking the 37-year-old great, who now serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for the younger players. Brazil entered the 2019 World Cup with a record of nine straight losses, but their performance in the months prior to the competition was significantly better. The team was outstanding against England and Germany in April after going 10 games without a loss in 2022. They defeated a tough German squad 2-1 in Nuremberg and lost to the Lionesses on penalties after a tenacious performance in the Finalissima at Wembley.
The Manager
With two Olympic golds with the USA, a World Cup final appearance in 2011, and an Olympic silver with Sweden, Pia Sundhage is among the most successful women’s football managers. She became the leader of Brazil in 2019 with the aim of reviving the group and reestablishing them as a dominant power. In order to assemble his team, Sundhage has called up more than 90 players. Her team plays mostly in a 4-4-2 formation, with an emphasis on technical players, and is physically stronger. She visits New Zealand and Australia.
Star player
Marta, a six-time Best Fifa Women’s Player winner, is the captain of the team at her sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup. She is considered one of the finest of all time and is important both on and off the pitch. She would love to leave the world by winning the trophy for the first time with Brazil as this be her last FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Rising star
Aline Gomes, who is 17 years old, has a bright future. The offensive midfielder is swift, possesses excellent dribbling ability, and explosive physicality. She progressed through the levels at Ferroviária before making her Wembley debut in a match against England.
Fun fact
Although Gabi Nunes has always wanted to play football, she never anticipated that one day she would share the pitch with her greatest idol. Like many Brazilian girls, she had a fantasy of meeting Brazil No 10 when she was younger and used the password “Marta in the future” for all of her social media accounts. They are now partners.
State of football
In Brazil, women’s football was outlawed for over 40 years. As a result, the sport is still very slowly expanding throughout the nation. The World Cup of 2019 marked a turning point, and throughout the previous four years, the local league has become increasingly well-known thanks to televised matches. Clubs have begun to make greater investments in their women’s teams, bringing in more spectators and breaking attendance records.
Our Prediction
The goal is to make the semi-finals, but recent performances against England in the Finalissima and against Germany in a friendly indicated Brazil can go higher.
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