Brazil - Spain summary, score, goals, highlights | Women’s Soccer 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Brazil too good for world champions Spain
Brazil showed their best version against the toughest rival
Brazil was the best team on the pitch. The South Americans controlled the match thanks to their precision long balls and by forcing the Spanish defenders into mistakes. What's more, the canarinha's defensive display was solid. They did concede two goals, but by then the encounter was all but over. Center-back Lauren Leal and goalkeeper, Lorena daSilva, blocked some good attacking opportunities from Paralluelo, Hermoso and Bonmatí.
On the other hand, Spain was far away from displaying the best version of themselves. At times it seemed the team lacked stamina and above all solutions in attack. Alexia Putellas was one of Spain's best players, and subbing her on with only 15 minutes before the end of the match appears in hindsight a major mistake by the coach.
For Brazil, a triumphant night, knocking out the world champions and going on to face the USA for the gold. For Spain, a strangely lacklustre performance and the end of their dreams of a World Cup and Olympic double. Things don't entirely end here for Spain though; they now face Germany in the bronze medal match.
Thanks for following and we'll see you for the final!
When will the 2024 Olympic women’s soccer gold medal match be played?
Brazil will face the United States in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women's soccer final!
The final will take place in Paris at PSG's stadium, Parc des Princes, on Saturday, August 10. This will be the third time Brazil and the United States will battle for the gold medal in the Olympic Games.
Full time: Brazil beats Spain 4-2 and advances to the final!
Brazil will face the United States in the gold medal match in the Parc des Princes!
Paralluelo almost scores a hattrick!
We're seconds away from reaching the end of the game, and Spain keeps trying to get another goal! Good cross from the left side, and Paralluelo was inches away from reaching the ball.
Goaaaaaaal Brazil 4-2 Spain
Finally Spain get their second goal! Jennifer Hermoso connects with a cross with a good header and the ball reaches Paralluelo's feet inside the box. Although the first shot was blocked, the Spanish attacker got the rebound and scored.
Despite the huge amount of added time, it's unlikely to be long enough though for Spain to actually come back...
Bonmatí tried a quick-feet move to pass Brazilian's defenders, but we know how this story ended: fantastic block from the defensive line.
Chance for Spain
Today's not the day for Spain. Another chance for the Europeans. First, Lorena made a fantastic save to Paralluelo's shot, and then Thais cleared before Putellas could get the opportunity.
Spain's dream of reaching the gold medal is just minutes away from disappearing. However, this is not the end for Montse Tome's side, since they would face Germany in the bronze medal game if they do end up going out as it looks like they will.
15 added minutes!
The added times during the Olympics have been crazy!
Goaaaaaaaal Brazil 4-1 Spain
ALL OVER FOR SPAIN!
Another unbeleivable mistake from Spain's defense. Kerolin recovers the ball, makes the run from the midfield and scores the one-on-one aganst Coll with an amazing strike.
Putellas hits the post!
What a play from Spain! Aitana Bonmatí finds Alexia Putellas. Barcelona's midfielder tried a shot from outside the box, but unfortunately for the Spaniards, the ball hits the post and goes wide!
Goaaaaaaal Brazil 3-1 Spain
Spain want to believe a comeback is possible! Corner taken by Alexia Putellas to the box and Salma Paralluelo connects a fantastic header to give Spain some hopes with just a few minutes on the clock!
Despite being three goals down, Spain keeps trying to break Brazil's defence, but nothing seems to work for Montsé Tome's side today.
Good chance for Spain
Jennifer Hermoso runs down the wing and send the cross to the box. Athenea received the ball and tried to shoot, but Tarciane made a fantastic block!
Lorena is once again on the ground
This seems will be the dynamic for the rest of the game. However, this time Brazil's goalkeeper was actually stepped on by one of her defenders
More substitutions for Spain
Alexia Putellas replaces Laia Codina, but maybe is a bit too late for the former Ballon d'Or winner to change things for Spain.
More substitutions for Brazil
Gabi Nunes replaces Priscila
Kerolin replaces Lauren
Lauren Leal is laying on the ground
The Brazilian will not continue, is taken off by the medical staff.
Goaaaaaaaaaaal Brazil 3-0
What a counter from the South Americans! In the blink of an eye, Brazil broke Spain's defense after a corner thanks to Gabi Portilho; the attacker sent an amazing pass to Adriana,who scored the third goal with a header.
It seems that Spain's hopes to reach the final are close to come to an end.
Good chance for Spain
Jennifer Hermoso tries luck from the distance, but the shot was saved by Lorena. The goalkeeper sends the ball to the corner.
Substitution for Brazil
Corintian's striker Jheniffer leaves the pitch. Anta Vitória replaces the attacker.
Brazil's goalkeeper is lying on the ground!
It seems that Brazil's goalkeeper, Lorena da Silva, can't continue. However, we saw this trick before in Brazil's quarterfinal game against France.
Another substitution from Spain
Montsé Tome is desperate to change the dynamic of the game as quickly as possibly. Patri Guijarro replaces Teresa Abelleira.
Lorena clears the free-kick cross from Spain! Over the night, Spain have struggled to create any danger from set pieces, thanks to Brazil's incredible defensive performance.
Spain needs to find a goal as soon as possible. Aitana tries to build on som good play near the box, but once again Brazil's defense was able to block the intentions from the midfielder.
Two substitutions for Brazil
Adriana replaces Ludmilla
Duda Sampaio replaces Angelina.
Spain responds with Salma Paralluelo. Barcelona's attacker tried a long distance shot, but it was saved by da Silva.
Brazil again inches away from scoring the third goal!
First, Ludmilla had a great chance from outside the box, but Coll made a fantastic save.
In the next play, Jheniffer was really close from connecting the cross sent from the right side!
Another substitution for Spain
Laia Aleixandri replaces Irene Paredes
Brazil had the third goal !
Another blooper from Spain's defence. Bad pass from the defence that left Portilho one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Brazil's attacker decided to pass the ball and Ludmilla was some inches away from scoring the third goal of the night.
Two substitutions for Spain
Oihane Hernandez replaces Olga Carmona
Athenea del Castillo replaces Eva Navarro
Second half of Brazil-Spain underway!
The action resumes in Marseille! Spain taken aback in that first half losing two goals with no reply. They looked off the pace, particularly in defense. Will they be able to turn things around in the second half?
Some first half thoughts
Eventually, Spain triggered Brazil to show their best version of themselves. The canarinha has played their best game of the tournament. The South-Americans long balls have been fundamental to break through Spain's defence. What's more, Gabi Portilho has been a menace in attack for Brazil by sneaking between Spain's defensive line.
On the other hand, the Spaniards needs to make some crucial changes ahead of the second half. The team has lacked the spark they usually show during their games. Paralluelo and Bonmatí have not been incisive in attack thanks to Brazil's outstanding efforts in defence.
However, this is not the first time Spain has been two goals behind. Something similar happened in the quarterfinals against Colombia, where Montse Tomé's side was able to make the comeback within 15 minutes.
End of the first half: Brazil 2-0 Spain
For the moment, Brazil is advancing to the final, but there is still a long way to go!
Goaaaaaaaaal Brazil 2-0
Once again, good cross from the left wing by Brazilian's attackers and Portilho made a sweet first touch inside the box to give Brazil a 2-0 lead!
First yellow card of the game
Duenas sees the yellow card. The Spanish defender stopped a good attacking chance from Brazil.
Angelina tries the shot from the distance, but Spain's defense was able to block the ball.
Four added minutes!
Good chance for Paralluelo !
For the first time in the game Paralluelo was left alone. The attacker made a fin run down the left wing, but the final ball across was well covered by Brazil's defence.
Spain keeps trying to get inside the box, but Brazil's display on the defence has been outstanding.
Priscila mocks Coll
Bizarre moment after the Brazil goal when Priscila decided to openly mock Spanish keeper Coll for her mistake. There didn't appear to be any beef before it.
Curiously Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi did the same against Spain yesterday after scoring the opening goal of the game from a penalty. He was left with egg on his face after Spain came back to dump Morocco out of the Olympics.
Another clear chance for Brazil!
Another long ball sent from Brazil's side. Priscila was left one-on-one with Spains goalkeeper, but the shot went wide just by some few inches!
The canarinha needs to capitalize on these clear chances; Spain's defense has been weak throughout the first half, but Brazil have failed to capitalise on it beyond the goal, which was a slip up from the keeper.
Tarciane has been one of Brazil's best players during the first half. The Brazilian's center back has neutralized all of Paralluelo's intentions in attack.
Good tiki-taka play from Spain, who tried to find Paralluelo inside the box. Tarciane sent the ball to the corner.
Great save from Brazil's goalkeeper!
After some rebounds near the box, Jennifer Hermoso tried a powerfull volley shot, but goalkeeper Lorena made a fantastic save!
Quick thoughts from the game
Brazil's long distance balls have been their best weapon against the World Cup Champions. Spain's defence are struggling to find a solution to stop the attacks down the wings when Brazil move it out wide and quickly.
What's more, Spain's hasn't been able to touch the ball as much as they like and Paralluelo hasn't had many opportunities in attack.
Clear chance for Brazil!
Great long pass from the left to the right wing; Ludmilla went inside the box and tried to score on the keeper's post, but Spain's goalkeeper made a fantastic save with her feet!
Quick cooling break. Brazil's goalkeeper is on the ground and the substitute is warming up, though it doesn't look that serious.
Shot goes wide from Spain!
If the crosses don't work, why not trying from long distance? That's what Aitana Bonmatí tries, but the shot goes wide.
Spain keeps pushing with the crosses from the right side. Eva Navarro sent a cross to the box but, once again, Brazil's defense clared the ball.
Spain can't find clear chances
Aitana Bonmatí tried a cross from the right side but it was easily picked out by Brazil's goalkeeper. Spain have got over the shock of that early goal and searching for a way through what has to be said is a pretty solid, pretty physical, defense.
Another chance for Brazil!!
Gabi Portilho had the second goal on her foot with a great chance from just inside the box with the Spanish defense all over the place, but the ball went over the bar!
Spain tried a quick reaction to that goal with a free kick, but Brazil's defense was able to clear the ball.
Goaaaaaaaal Brazil 1-0
Unbelievable what just happened! Spain's keeper tried to clear from her own goal line, under not THAT much pressure but the ball rebounded off Irene Paredes and the ball went in!
The Brazilians can't believe their luck; Spain are in absolute shock, that was a goal out of nowhere.
Long ball picked up by Spain's keeper.
Brazil-Spain's game starts!
The second women's Olympic semifinal is underway in Marseille!
And here's the explanation as to why there are no words in the Spanish national anthem.
Spain's national anthem!
Now it is time to hear the anthem from the current Women's World Cup champions
Brazilian national anthem!
Brazil first up with their national anthem. It's official title in in fact: Hino Nacional Brasileiro. Brazilian National Anthem.
How many times has the USWNST won the gold medal?
This will be United States's sixth final in the women's Olympic Games tournament!
The first gold medal for the Americans was in Atlanta's 1996 Olympic Games against China; the other three gold medals were in Athens 2004 and Pekin 2008 Olympic Games, defeating Brazil in both finals, and London 2012 against Japan.
The USWNST is the first finalist!
The United States is the first team qualified for the Paris 2024 women's tournament final!
Thanks to Sophia Smith's goal in the extra times, the USWNT will be looking to win their fifht gold medal in Olympics women's soccer.
Brazil is ready to face the semifinals!
These will be the players defending Brazil's badge against Spain:
Lorena; Tarciane; Yaya; Jheniffer; Yasmin; Ludmila; Thais; Gabi Portilho; Priscila; Angelina (c); Lauren
Defenders Antonia Silva and Rafaelle Souza will also miss the game due to injuries.
Spain's starting XI confirmed!
This will be the players who will lead Spain in the semifinal:
Coll; Batlle; Parades (c); Codina; Olga; Aitana; Teresa; Hermoso; Navarro; Mariona; Paralluelo
Alexia Putellas, former Ballon d'Or winner will be on the bench, while Jenni Hermoso, who scored one of the two goals against Colombia, earned her spot in the starting XI.
Marta out for the semifinal game!
Brazil's icon saw a straight red card in the Group C match against Spain. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, a straight red card means a two games sanction and she will only be available to play in the next game.
"The Court of Arbitration of Sport from the Olympic Games dimisses Brazil's inquiry to use Marta" confirms ESPN Argentina.
How has Brazil performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics soccer tournament?
On the other hand, Brazil has yet to show its best version during the tournament. After winning only the opener against Nigeria (1-0), the South Americans had two consecutive losses against Japan (2-1) and Spain (2-0) and qualified as one of the two best third-place teams.
The Canarinha faced the hosts, France, in the quarterfinals, and thanks to a late Gabi Portilho goal, they secured their spot in the semifinal. Despite not being the game's favourites, every match is different, and Spain could trigger Brazil to show their best version at the tournament.
How has Spain performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics soccer tournament?
The current Women's World Cup and Nations League winners have been outstanding throughout the tournament. Montse Tomé's side topped Group C after beating Japan (2-1), Nigeria (1-0), and Brazil (0-2). During the quarterfinals, they faced a tough Colombian side who put the Spaniards on the verge of elimination after the South Americans scored the 2-0. However, late Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes's goals forced the game to extra times and penalty kicks, where the Spaniards won 4-2.
Where will the Brazil-Spain semifinal game be played?
The kickoff at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time, 3 p.m. E.T., and 12 noon P.T.
This will be the first time both teams will play in Olympique de Marseille's Stadium, which has a capacity of 68,000 spectators. Curiously, this stadium hosted the semifinal game between Spain and Morocco in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games men's tournament, which saw the Spaniards complete a late comeback and earn a spot in the final.
United States will be waiting for its rival in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games women's soccer tournament final, after they beat Germany 1-0 in extra-time. The Stade Vélodrome in Marseille is ready to receive what will surely be a fantastic display between Brazil and Spain, two squads that want to be one step closer to the gold medal.
I'm Pablo and thank you for joining me today!
Brazil vs Spain live!
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Brazil-Spain semifinal!