There is a new World Cup goals king.
Scratch that.
There’s a new World Cup goals queen.
Marta became the top scorer in the history of the World Cup — men’s or women’s — with a smashing penalty kick in the 74th minute against Italy, helping Brazil to a 1-0 win on Tuesday.
The Group C finale was chock full of exciting chances for both teams, but it took the greatest scorer in the history of the World Cup to break the deadlock.
Brazil earned a spot kick in the 72nd minute when Debinha, set up by Marta, burst into the box before being bundled over by Elena Linari. While the foul is often not called in the box (it usually is outside the box), it’d be hard to argue against a penalty kick when Linari applied so much force to Debinha. Indeed, VAR upheld the decision.
There was never any doubt who would take the penalty kick, and Marta stepped up to the spot with impeccably manicured lips highlighting her supreme focus. Marta’s brilliant left foot smashed the penalty into the right corner to give Brazil the lead and the No. 10 the all-time most World Cup goals record.
#WWCTelemundo ¡Historia pura! con este gol Marta llega a 17 anotaciones, supera a Klose y se convierte en la máxima goleadora en la historia de los mundiales pic.twitter.com/2jdzilUN2l
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 18, 2019
Marta’s second goal of the 2019 Women’s World Cup (both on penalty kicks) gave her 17 World Cup goals overall, passing Germany’s Miroslav Klose for most goals in World Cup history. She now has a three-goal lead for the most Women’s World Cup goals over Birgit Prinz of Germany and Abby Wambach of the United States. Marta scored three at World Cup 2003 in the U.S., seven in China four years later, four in Germany in 2011 and one in Canada four years ago.
The moment of history for #Marta
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 18, 2019
Marta nearly nabbed an assist early in the match, but Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani made the save of the day to deny Debinha’s deft flick.
INCREDIBLE!
Debinha attempts a brilliant back-heel flick off Marta's corner, but Laura Giuliani tips it over the bar!Save of the tournament? #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/PLBe5DVY9s
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 18, 2019
Marta was subbed off to a standing ovation in the 84th minute, but she’ll get at least one more chance to add to her tally in the Round of 16.
Despite the 1-0 win, and the most World Cup goals record, Brazil finished third in Group C. Italy, Brazil and Australia all tied with six points for the first time in Women’s World Cup History. Italy claimed top spot on goal difference in part because it beat Jamaica 5-0. Australia edged Brazil for second on goals scored, but Brazil will advance as one of the top third-place finishers.
Most World Cup Goals (Women And Men)
1. Marta, Brazil — 17
2. Miroslav Klose, Germany — 16
3. Ronaldo, Brazil — 15
4. Gerd Müller, Germany — 14
4. Birgit Prinz, Germany — 14
4. Abby Wambach, United States — 14
7. Just Fontaine, France — 13
8. Michelle Akers, United States — 12
8. Pelé, Brazil — 12
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