Dancing to a Different Beat
In the world of football, where Brazil is synonymous with the poetic ‘Joga Bonito’, their women’s team has evolved with a pragmatic yet incisive approach that defies our traditional expectations.
This evolution was on full display at the Stade Vélodrome, as the girls in yellow dismantled World Cup holders Spain with a stunning 4-2 victory and secured their spot in Saturday’s Olympic final.
From the first minute, Brazil's game plan was clear: disrupt Spain’s rhythm and capitalise on defensive frailties. La Roja, typically known for possession-based play and methodical build-up, were rattled early on in Marseille.
The first goal came after just six minutes. Brazil’s forward line pressed relentlessly, forcing a rushed clearance from Barcelona keeper Cata Coll that deflected off an oblivious Irene Paredes and into her own net.
This high press was a consistent theme throughout the semi-final. Unlike the stereotypical Brazilian flair, mesmeric dribbling and attacking fluidity, Arthur Elias’s side showed a disciplined aggression, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch with a set-up Ralf Rangnick would be proud of.
Without fearless leader and all-round footballing legend Marta, sidelined with a two-game suspension, Brazil’s approach needed to be more shrewd.
The second goal epitomised their tactical intelligence. As the first half drew to a close with the Canarinhas squandering several glaring chances to extend their lead, another moment arose. A pinpoint pass from Yasmim found Gabi Portilho, who made no mistake in doubling the lead this time.
Brazil’s third was nothing short of a masterclass in counter-attacking football. A swift breakaway caught Spain’s back four at sixes and sevens. A well-timed cross saw the crossbar rattled, before the ball reached the forehead of Adriana, unmarked at the far post to head home unchallenged.
The net rippled as Manchester City defender Laia Alexandri flailed helplessly on the line and Coll desperately appealed for an offside, a foul, anything.
While the Spaniards managed to reduce the deficit via a fortuitous Duda Sampaio own goal, Brazil’s defensive organisation ensured that such lapses were the exception to the rule in this performance.
The final nail in the Spanish cedar coffin came from a moment of sheer opportunism. Razor sharp sub Kerolin pounced on a defensive mistake to bag a fourth, slotting the ball straight through Coll’s legs and completing a night to forget for the Mallorcan stopper.
The world champions' late fightback included a moment of magic from Jenni Hermoso, a glimpse of gold from Alexia Putellas and a consolation goal from Salma Paralluelo. But it was not nearly enough to redeem a meagre showing from Spain.
While finesse and artistry remain cornerstones of the Brazilian game, there’s an unexpected emphasis on tactical awareness and adaptability for Elias’s Seleção. Wind-up merchants, taking it to the corner flag and getting it in the mixer may not be synonymous with the country’s famous national sides, but the 43 year old coach used the right tools for the job.
In truth, Brazil outplayed, outsmarted and outscored a shaken Spanish team which doesn’t like to be forced out of its comfort zone. With 23% possession no less.