Brazil and the U.S. prepared on Friday (August 9) to battle for the Olympics women’s soccer gold medal with one player in the spotlight: the Brazilian star Marta, who is sent to play her last international match at the Parc des Princes.
Saturday's (August 10) final will face twice silver medalist Brazil against four-time champions U.S. with both teams aiming to get the gold medal.
Marta, who is her country's all-time leading scorer and will retire from international football this year after her sixth Olympic Games, will return to action after serving a two-match ban following a red card in the group stage against Spain.
“I mean, it's just a dream come true for us to be playing with Marta”, her teammate Angelina told reporters on Friday.
Brazilian coach Arthur Elias echoed the words of his midfielder and added they will need to play an extraordinary match to win against the Americans.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes, who joined the team after her season at Chelsea, also praised the career of the Brazilian star Marta.
(Production: Miguel Pereira, Elena Rodriguez)