Marta puts on a show, but Brazil is eliminated.
The best player in the world, she scored two goals and became the all-time leading scorer, but that wasn't enough against the Americans.
247 – Best in the world, according to FIFA, in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. With the two goals scored in this afternoon's game against the United States, Marta Vieira da Silva, from Alagoas, born in the small town of Dois Riachos, also became the all-time top scorer, with 14 goals scored in women's world football tournaments.
Despite all this, she was defeated in today's match against the United States. In the penalty shootout, Brazil was eliminated after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Marta was almost decisive. When Brazil was losing to the United States 1-0, she nutmegged two American players and won a penalty. Even better: she got an opponent sent off. On the first attempt, there was a scare. Cristiane shot poorly and missed, but the referee ordered it to be retaken due to encroachment into the penalty area. On the second attempt, Cristiane faltered and Marta took responsibility. Goalkeeper one way, ball the other, and the game was tied at one-all.
Then came extra time, and the talent of the greatest female soccer player the world has ever known – who plays better than the men of Mano Menezes' national team – prevailed. From a cross on the left, Marta simply tapped the ball in, with the skill of a genius, to put Brazil ahead.
When everything seemed settled, the Brazilian defense faltered and the American team tied the game in the final minute of extra time. In the penalty shootout, the greater experience of the Americans prevailed, and they won, now facing France in the semifinals.