Brazilian women earn respect, adulation at World Cup

The Brazilian women’s soccer team fell to a 2-0 defeat against Germany in the World Cup final yesterday. Star striker Marta missed a 67^th-minute penalty kick while a potential game-tying free kick by Daniela hit the post later in the match.

Yesterday’s win secured Germany as the first repeat champion of the tournament as the team played solidly and did not concede a single goal.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian team leaves with the heads held high after playing extraordinarily throughout the World Cup including a phenomenal effort in their semifinal upset over the U.S. Marta (image) was awarded with the tourney’s best player and top scorer honors as the squad made it to their first ever final.

The team’s impressive performance is even more so since the Brazilian soccer body provides them with minuscule financial and popular support compared to their male counterparts. Marta hoped that her team’s accomplishments could change that:

“I think that if there were more incentives and support available then Brazil could go even further.

Now more than ever the Brazilian authorities need to do something for us in return, so we can take on the big teams like Germany and the USA on an equal footing.

Women's football can be a struggle, but us Brazilians are here fighting to open up more opportunities and smooth the path for them.”

Sources- AFP, IOL, Xinhua, BBC Sport, Bloomberg, Guardian UK

Image- CBC