Paris 2024: Brilliant Brazil women stun Spain to set up USA final

After shocking Spain, Brazil, with a spectacular performance, advanced to face the United States in the finals of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament.

In Marseille, the Seleção humiliated the world champions, as the 4-2 result reasonably indicates their dominance. The Brazilians started the party spectacularly when Irene Paredes scored an own goal after clearing the crossbar from Spain's goalkeeper Cata Coll. The rampaging South Americans extended their advantage with goals from Gabi Portilho and Adriana.

Salma Paralluelo brought one back for La Roja in the last moments, but Kerolin promptly put La Roja back up by three goals. Parallels secured second place for her and Spain, but it was not enough to avert Brazil's all-time great result.

U.S. women's soccer star Sophia Smith was instrumental in the team's 2-1 semifinal victory against Germany. After scoring twice in a 4-1 group stage rout of the same team, the 23-year-old Coloradan scored the lone goal in a somewhat stricter test in Lyon.

At this Saturday's event at the Parc des Princes, the United States will go for a record-extending fifth gold medal. With Marta back in action after her ban, Brazil will aim for their first Olympic gold medal. The bronze medal match will take place on Friday between Germany and Spain in Lyon.

USA 1-0 Germany (aet)

Germany quickly gave it their all when the United States took the lead. Around the halfway point of the first half, Jule Brand took the ball just inside the American half, raced into the penalty area almost unimpeded, found some space, and struck low and wide, which Alyssa Naeher well parried.

In the second half, Emma Hayes's team was unstoppable. They missed a golden opportunity when Naomi Girma's exquisite pass set up Mallory Swanson. The No. 9 breezed past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, but she missed the target as two defenders raced back to block her path. After Horan's header was saved by Berger, replacement Lynn Williams had a chance to put the ball in the back of the net for Germany, but the goal was disallowed due to offside.

The United States, however, would not be denied in overtime. Following a pass from Swanson behind Horst Hrubesch's defense, Smith evaded Felicitas Rauch's tackle and blasted the ball home.

In the dying minutes, Laura Freigang had a golden opportunity to tie the game with a header at the far post, but Naeher made a spectacular diving save with her feet. Smith, who had lightning speed, evaded the backline and ran straight through on the subsequent counterattack, but Berger stopped her. The Americans were joyful when the final whistle set off their celebrations.

Brazil 4-2 Spain

After an unbelievable triumph against Spain in Marseille, Brazil will have the opportunity to get revenge for their two consecutive Olympic final losses to the United States in 2004 and 2008.

Surprisingly, the South Americans jumped out to an early lead. When Cata Coll, the Spanish goalkeeper, tried to clear the ball, it ricocheted off Priscila, an attacker for the Seleção, struck the defenseless Paredes, and eventually went into the net.

Shortly after, Portilho had a fantastic opportunity to extend their lead, but she missed the target despite the ball appearing invitingly at her feet from ten yards out. With each assault, Brazil's confidence grew, while Spain seemed terrified. Portillo wasted no time skillfully side-footing in a well-deserved second just before halftime after Priscila wasted another golden chance by shooting wide while one-on-one with Coll.

Brazil continued their relentless pressure following the break, and the outstanding Ludmila forced Coll into a fantastic save with her fingertip. Adriana, who had just come in as a substitute, crashed a shot against the bar before heading in a close-range shot to double the lead.

In the match's closing moments, Spain equalized via Parallels, and the reigning world champions staged an improbable comeback when Alexia Putellas hit the crossbar. Even if Paralluelo's second goal made the score more respectable, Kerolin slid the ball back to end any prospect of that.

 Elevate your betting experience with Sky247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.