Brazil vs Spain Preview & Prediction | Paris 2024 Olympics | Women’s Football | Semi-Final
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Brazil legend Marta returns from suspension as the nation who knocked out host nation France in the quarter-finals face world champions Spain for a place in the gold medal match.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Tuesday 6th August, 2024, UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPICS ON TV: UK – BBC is the main broadcaster while some event will be televised on Eurosport / US – NBC is the main broadcaster while some events will be shown on NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPICS ONLINE: UK – BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website & Eurosport Player / US – Events can be streamed on the relevant streaming platforms of NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo
BRAZIL PREVIEW: LATE BREAKWAY GOAL STUNS THE FRENCH AND LEAVES BRAZIL TWO GAMES FROM GOLD
Brazil have been afforded a second crack at Spain after losing to them by two goals to nil in the group stage, a match which saw Brazilian superstar Marta sent off. That could’ve turned out to be her final game before retirement due to suspension for the quarter-finals, but a fantastic 0-1 victory over France has seen Brazil progress through to the last four, setting up this rematch.
As captain of the side, you’d expect Marta to come back into the starting line-up here, despite the temptation no doubt being there for Arthur Elias to field the same XI against Spain. Either way, a similar playstyle and tactical plan is likely.
SPAIN PREVIEW: LAST-GASP LEVELLER SAVES SPAIN BEFORE PENALTY SHOOTOUT TRIUMPH
Spain were on the brink of a monumental shock in the quarter-finals, as their glittering array of superstar world champions found themselves two goals down to Colombia. Jennifer Hermoso pulled a goal back with just over ten minutes of normal time to play, but it looked like Colombia would hang on for a famous victory, until the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Skipper Irene Paredes stepped up for her team and drove home an equaliser, sending Spanish fans and players into raptures, devastating the Colombians in the process. From then on, the momentum was with Spain and they eventually made it count in the resulting penalty shootout, winning it 4-2 with four perfect penalties.
BRAZIL VS SPAIN PREDICTION
There are many exciting backstories leading into this semi-final, but the main one is that Marta gets a second chance to overcome Spain at these Olympics. However, this is a wonderful Spanish side with world class players all over the pitch. Whether it be Putellas, Bonmati, Caldentey, Paralluelo or Hermoso, Spain boast brilliance whether you look, not only on the pitch but also the bench.
Brazil simply can’t call upon the same level of strength-in-depth and whilst they will no doubt fight hard, particularly from a defensive standpoint, it’s hard to see them being able to keep Spain out. For the second time in this tournament, Spain should get the better of the Brazilians.
BRAZIL VS SPAIN TIP: SPAIN TO WIN
