Brazil entered the knockout stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics' women's soccer tournament as the lowest seed. Now, they will be going for gold against the U.S. women's national team.
Despite missing Brazilian legend Marta in the lineup for today's match, Brazil scored early and often to take a 4-2 win over the defending Women's World Cup champions Spain.
The two teams met in group play with Spain winning 2-0. This time, things were much different.
An own goal by Irene Paredes made it 1-0 Brazil in the sixth minute. Gabi Portilho's shot late in the first half made it 2-0 at the break. Spain finally found the net in the 85th minute but by then it was 3-1. The teams traded goals through extra time but Brazil held on for the victory.
They'll take on the USWNT in a rematch of the 2004 and 2008 gold medal games. Spain will play Germany - who lost 1-0 to the USWNT - for bronze.
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Here are the highlights from today's game:
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Spain vs. Brazil highlights
Paredes' own goal was a surprising way for previously undefeated Spain to start the match.
Brazil found the net themselves late on in the first half behind Gabi Portilho's goal inside the box.
She'd later assist on a goal by Adriana to make it 3-0 Brazil midway through the second half.
Spain finally got on the board to make it 3-1 thanks to a header by Salma Paralluelo in her first score of the game.
Brazil's Kerolin showed off her skills in a breakaway goal to extend the lead during extra time, making it 4-1 late.
Paralluelo scored once again for Spain off a corner kick but it was too little, too late. The final goal of the game made it 4-2.
What time is the Spain vs. Brazil match today?
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
How to watch Spain vs. Brazil women's soccer semifinal
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FINAL: Brazil 4-2 Spain
After a few more minutes of extra time, the game is over. Brazil heads to the gold medal match for the first time since 2008 with their victory.
90'+12' Spain goal: Paralluelo finds the net again
Salma Paralluelo converted a great chance off a corner kick. He initial shot was blocked but she fired again right away to cut the deficit to 4-2.
90'+1' Brazil goal: Kerolin scores breakaway goal to make it 4-1
Kerolin's timely interception left her unguarded and sprinting towards goal. She fired the ball between Spanish keeper Cata Coll's legs to make it 4-1 for Brazil.
85' Spain goal: Paralluelo finally gets Spain on the board
Salma Paralluelo's header just a few feet in front of the goal capitalizes on a corner kick opportunity for Spain. They cut the deficit to 3-1 with a place in the gold medal match still on the line.
71' Brazil goal: Adriana's header makes it 3-0
An attack by Brazil leads to mayhem in front of the goal but Adriana's header off a headed pass from Gabi Portilho puts As Canarinhas up big over the defending Women's World Cup champions.
45'+2' Brazil goal: Portilho makes it 2-0
In the waning minutes of the first half, Brazil's striker Gabi Portilho buried a shot from the center of the box to the bottom right corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Four minutes of extra time
Referees have decided on four minutes of extra time in the first half of the matchup.
Why isn't Marta playing for Brazil?
One of Brazil's most iconic players is out for this matchup because of a red card she received in Brazil's group stage finale against Spain. She appealed the two-game ban but was denied and missed Brazil's quarterfinal matchup against France.
6' Brazil goal: Spain's Irene Paredes gives up own goal
A surprise start for Brazil, controlling the attack and taking a lead after an own goal by Irene Parades.
USWNT v. Germany score, highlights
Sophia Smith scored in the 95th minute, and nearly had another nine minutes later, to give the U.S. women a 1-0 win over Germany.Though the Americans have four gold medals, most of any country, they haven't played in the final since 2012, when they beat Japan to win their third consecutive Olympic title.See a full recap of the game and goal highlights here.
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