Brazil legend Marta led her country to a dramatic defence of their Women’s Copa America title on Saturday by defeating Colombia via a penalty shootout after a rollercoaster final that ended in a 4-4 draw.
Colombia took the lead three times, only for Brazil to fight back and draw level each time at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, including a 96th-minute equaliser from Marta to send the game to extra-time.
Marta found the back of the net again on 105 minutes in could have been the winner, but Colombia mirrored Brazil’s resilience and found a leveller of their own to send the game to penalties, which ended 5-4 to Brazil.
“I think women’s soccer has been growing a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too,” Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres said.
“This means a lot. I think it’s Brazil’s job. It’s that mentality of never giving up. That’s a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians.”
