Brazil was crowned champion of the Women’s Copa América by defeating Colombia 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Saturday, securing their ninth continental title after a final full of emotions in Quito that ended 4-4.
The match at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium saw Colombia take the lead on three occasions, but Brazil responded each time. The iconic Marta, with a goal in stoppage time, forced extra time and then scored again in the 105th minute, seemingly sealing the victory. However, Colombia, showing great resilience, managed to tie once more, taking the match to penalties, where Brazil’s experience prevailed.I think women’s soccer has been growing a lot. The trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia as well.
Amanda Gutierres from Brazil
Both teams generated early opportunities, but the score opened in the 25th minute, when Linda Caicedo of Colombia finished a precise play with a low and accurate shot from close range. Brazil tied in the final moments of the first half with a penalty converted by Angelina, after a VAR review that confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini. Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute thanks to a Brazilian own goal, when defender Tarciane passed the ball back to goalkeeper Lorena, without realizing that she had already left her position to collect the ball. Gutierres tied again for Brazil ten minutes from the end with his sixth goal in the tournament, after a powerful shot following a pass from Garbelini, but Mayra Ramírez, Colombian forward, gave her team the lead again after a quick counterattack eight minutes later. Colombia was close to winning its first continental title until Marta, who came on as a substitute, starred in a magical moment with an impressive goal in added time, forcing extra time. Marta scored again in the 105th minute, but Colombia equalized the score again when Leicy Santos scored a great free kick goal in the 115th minute. The penalty shootout reflected the drama of the match. Colombia initially took the lead after Angelina’s miss. However, when Manuela Pavi failed and goalkeeper Lorena stopped Leicy Santos’ shot, Brazil took the lead. Marta had the opportunity to secure the victory, but Katherine Tapia’s save took the series to sudden death, where Carabali’s miss finally gave Brazil their ninth continental title.This means a lot. I think it’s the work of Brazil. It’s that never-give-up mentality. That’s a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians.
Amanda Gutierres from Brazil
