Marta in tears as Sweden knock out Brazil on penalties
Brazil had thrashed the Swedes 5-1 in the group stages just 10 days ago, but were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw and eventually lost on penalties
Sweden ended a disconsolate Marta's dreams of guiding Brazil's women to a first Olympic football gold medal Tuesday with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win to book their place in the gold medal match.
Cristiane, the Olympics' all-time top scorer, and Andressa saw spot-kicks saved by Hedvig Lindahl after neither side could score a goal in 120 minutes. Lisa Dahlkvist converted the winning penalty to secure a place in the final and Sweden's first women's football Olympic medal. Germany face Canada later in Belo Horizonte in the other semi-final.
Third consecutive 0-0 for Brazil
Brazil had thrashed the Swedes 5-1 in the group stages just 10 days ago, but were held to a third consecutive 0-0 draw and, just like in their quarter-final win over Australia, forced to go through the agony of penalties.
Unlike against the Aussies, five-time World Player of the Year Marta did convert from the spot, but was reduced to tears as her ambition of finally winning a major international title fell short of the final.
Disconsolate Marta
Marta, who has played her club football in Sweden for the past four years, was consoled by the Swedish players, whilst a huge crowd in excess of 70,000 gave their defeated team a huge ovation.
Sweden coach Pia Sundhage now has the chance to win a third straight gold medal after leading the USA to victory in 2008 and 2012.