Will Brazil, Marta win their first Women’s World Cup in Australia, NZ?

Marta Vieira da Silva, who will be Brazil’s spearhead in Australia and New Zealand, has unfinished business at the World Cup. The legendary striker’s presence at the tournament down under had been in doubt, but in the end she will be there - and the 37-year-old’s team-mates are desperate to help her crown her glorious career with the country’s first ever women’s world title.

Marta is Brazil’s Messi, says Kerolin

“We want to win this trophy - particularly for Marta,” Brazil forward Kerolin said this week. “Our sights are firmly set on achieving that. She deserves it, because of everything she’s done in the game and because of the person she is. It’s hard to put into words the kind of person she is. We’re looking to follow Argentina’s example, what they did for Lionel Messi [at the men’s World Cup in 2022]. We’re out to follow in those footsteps with Marta.”

World Cup’s record goalscorer

A six-time winner of FIFA’s women’s world player of the year award, Marta is Brazil’s all-time highest scorer with 115 goals, of which a tournament-record 17 have come in her appearances at five separate World Cups.

Capped 174 times by the Seleção, Marta has had to come through a difficult recent period. The Orlando Pride star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in April 2022, an injury that kept her out of action for nearly a year. She returned for Brazil in a February friendly against Japan, and couldn’t hide her emotion after the 1-0 win in Florida.

“It’s been a really tough time,” she said as she choked back tears. “I’ve found it really hard, but the feeling when you come out the other side is all the sweeter.”

Brazil squad to be confirmed later in June

Brazil head coach Pia Sundhage is scheduled to announce her squad for the World Cup on 27 June. Drawn in Group F with France, Jamaica and Panama, the South Americans kick off their tournament campaign against the Panamanians on 24 July.