UPDATE: The USWNT's 2-1 victory vs. Australia means that Brazil advance and will play France in the quarterfinals.
A Marta red card vs Spain during Brazil’s group stage finale in the 2024 Olympics saw the women’s soccer icon exit the field in tears. Spain won the game 2-0.
The 38-year-old is playing in her SIXTH Olympics for Brazil, however it was hardly the fairy tale ending she hoped for. In stoppage time of the first half Marta had a dangerous challenge on Spain’s Olga Carmona.
Marta’s tackle was high and reckless with her leg practically on top of Carmona’s head. A red card was the right decision.
Marta red card vs Spain
¡MARTA ES EXPULSADA!
Terrible entrada de la brasileña y deja a Brasil con 10, ¡La jugadora llegó hasta las LÁGRIMAS!Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/sX22xPP6nN
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QI8PiYmczi#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/rx3mBvjRwe— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 31, 2024
Marta has already announced that she will retire from international soccer after the 2024 Olympics. Her incredible international career might’ve just ended in the most heartbreaking fashion.
Athenea del Castillo scored the first goal of the game to secure top of Group C for Spain and make it three wins in three games.
¡ESPAÑA SE PONE ARRIBA!
Athenea del Castillo marca el primero en el partido, aprovecha un error defensivo ⚽️Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/sX22xPP6nN
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QI8PiYmczi#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/Ut3fHs7Qei— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 31, 2024
Spain added another 16 MINUTES into added time to make it 2-0 with a rocket from Alexia Putellas.
¡¡¡GOLAAAAAZOOOO!!! ¡¡¡ESPECTACULAR GOL!!!
Alexia Putellas nuevamente hace un GOLAZO en #PARIS2024Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/sX22xPP6nN
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QI8PiYmczi#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/Ig4QEPYqTw— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 31, 2024
Brazil will still have hope of advancing to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-place teams in the tournament.
Brazil finished third in their group behind Japan and Spain.
The United States women’s national team could potentially save Brazil with a victory against Australia. Brazil and Australia both have three points. As long as the USWNT defeat Australia then Brazil will advance on goal difference.
Germany also can’t lose to Zambia by two goals in order for Brazil to advance.
The other scenario for Brazil to advance would be Canada and New Zealand not winning their final games in Group A.
Marta would still miss the quarterfinal game with her red card suspension.