Barely getting past the group stage as best losers thanks to a victory against the Super Falcons, Brazil are in the Olympics final after beating Spain.
Brazil got their revenge against Spain, beating them 4-2 in the semi-finals of the Olympics to set up a gold medal clash against the USA.
The South American champions previously faced Spain in the group stages, and although they matched the World Cup winners, a red card to Marta contributed to a 2-0 defeat.
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Spain and Japan progressed automatically after the world champions beat Brazil 2-0 in the other group fixture.
They have now gotten revenge against Montse Tome’s side, beating them to secure a medal.
Key match actions
Spain have been a shell of their typically brilliant selves this Olympics, scraping to get wins. They were below par once again in this clash, and Arthur Elias’s side punished them.
Brazil pressed on early and got a gift with an early goal. Catalina Coll’s unassured clearance was deflected by a Brazilian forward before inadvertently hitting Irene Paredes and then nesting in La Roja’s net.
Spain dominated possession but looked vulnerable, and Brazil threatened to score every time they ventured forward. They eventually doubled their lead just before half-time, when Gabi Portilho connected with Yasmin’s cross and side-footed home.
Spain tried to wrestle their way back into the match in the second-half, and by way of overcommitting bodies forward, they became even more susceptible to Brazilian counterattacks.
The South American side compounded Spain's woes in the 71st minute thanks to a brilliant assist from Portilho for Ariana, who finished past an outrushing Coll.
Salma Paralluelo pulled one back for Spain in the 81st minute, and after a period of dominance in which La Roja threatened a historic comeback, Kerolin put the tie beyond doubt, finishing between Coll’s legs to give Brazil a 4-1 lead.
Paralluelo scored again to make it 4-2 in additional time, but Elias's side refused to give any more away as they held onto a famous victory against the world champions.
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