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Get to know the chances of Brazil’s Women’s team at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Overview
Brazil enter the tournament still searching for their first world title. The team were beaten finalists in 2007 but have disappointed in the tournaments since, falling at the quarter-final stage in 2011 and the last 16 in 2015 and 2019. But a new generation under Pia Sundhage are optimistic that this time can be different. Perhaps unencumbered by the pressure felt by previous teams, this young group went unbeaten in claiming the 2022 Copa América, with their versatility a key asset. Antônia, Kathellen and Ary Borges, for example, all played in multiple positions. "I'm there for whatever she [Pia Sundhage] needs," said Borges.
The team no longer rely so heavily on the legendary trio of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga, with only Marta in the squad for this tournament. The No 10 now acts as a source of support and inspiration for the younger players in the group and Sundhage often makes a point of praising the now 37-year-old superstar.
In 2019 Brazil arrived at the World Cup on the back of nine consecutive defeats but their form in the leadup to the tournament has been much better this time around. After going unbeaten for 10 games in 2022, the team were impressive against England and Germany in April, losing to the Lionesses on penalties after a resilient display in the Finalissima at Wembley and beating a strong German side 2-1 in Nuremberg. "We have taken big steps in these four years,” said Sundhage. “We’ve brought in new players, and I think we are in a good place."
The coach
Pia Sundhage is one of the most successful coaches in the women’s game, having won two Olympic golds and a World Cup with the US plus an Olympic silver with Sweden. She took over Brazil in 2019 with the mission to rejuvenate the team and reestablish them as a leading force among the world's top teams. In her nearly four years in charge, Sundhage has called up more than 90 players and formed a squad mostly consisting of new talents. Her Brazil side is physically stronger, mostly playing in a 4-4-2 system, and puts an emphasis on technical players. She travels to Australia and New Zealand in a confident mood: "We have got a chance."
Star player
Marta, a six-time winner of the Best Fifa Women's Player award, leads the squad in her sixth World Cup. A key figure on and off the field, she is regarded as one of the best players of all time. This will be her final World Cup and she would love to sign off by winning the trophy for the first time. Her teammates have made a pact: “We are taking inspiration from what Argentina did for Messi; we want to do the same for Marta,” said Kerolin.
Rising star
At just 17 years old, Aline Gomes has a huge future. The attacking midfielder has explosive physicality, serious dribbling skills and speed. Has come through the ranks at Ferroviária and made her international debut against England at Wembley in April.
Did you know?
Gabi Nunes always wanted to be a footballer, but she never imagined she would play alongside her biggest inspiration. When she was younger, she used the password “Marta in the future” for her social media accounts and, like many Brazilian girls, dreamed of meeting the Brazil No 10. They are now teammates.
Position of women's football in Brazil?
Women's football was banned in Brazil for nearly 40 years by law. As a result, the sport still grows slowly in the country. The 2019 World Cup was a turning point and in the last four years the domestic league has gained more visibility with matches broadcasted on television. Clubs have started to invest more in their women’s teams, attracting more fans to games and setting new attendance records.
Realistic goal at the World Cup?
Reaching the semi-finals is the target, though the recent performances against England in the Finalissima and the friendly match against Germany showed that Brazil can dream bigger. "They are very good and prepared to do anything," said Sundhage.
Written by Amanda Porfirio and Mariana Santos and translated by Adrielle Farias (Fut das Minas) for the Guardian.
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