August 24, 2004

Brazil keeps Sweden out of the Gold Medal game

By WSW's Colin Aldis

With so much at stake it was no surprise that there was some tension in the early play and there were few chances for either side. But it was Brazil who gradually built up a series of chances, with Daniela hitting a powerful shot just over the bar. Then Pretinha lobbed the ball just over the bar from close range. Sweden had one of their rare chances when a cross from the right by Sjostrom found the head of Monica who powered the clearing header just over her own bar.

Formiga had a great chance to give Brazil the lead in the 25th. minute but her rasping shot flew wide of the left post. Then Cristiane shot just wide after Marta had created the opening. These two combined well again with a low cross from the left needing just a touch from Pretinha but she arrived a fraction too late.

In the second half a similar pattern emerged, and Caroline Jonsson made a superb save to tip over a strong shot from Formiga. Just after the hour mark the crucial moment arrived when the ball was played forward into the area and the defence seemed to hesitate. Pretinha showed her speed of old to take the ball around the dive of the Swedish keeper. From a narrow angle the Brazilian striker had the composure to chip the ball into the right corner. Amazingly it was over nine years ago that she scored a solitary winning goal against Sweden. This time it will be a new experience for her as gives her team a chance to go for gold.

The statistics show that this was Brazil's day, and Sweden will be heading to Athens to play the team that beat them for top spot in WWC 2003, and the UEFA final of 2001.

Always gracious in defeat, Marika Domanski-Lyfors said her team had tried the best they could but admitted that Brazil had been the better team on the day.

Brazil coach Rene Simoes was delighted with the result and the performance, and was looking forward to a difference result when they meet the USA again.