Greg . 2 days ago

Brazil protect Women's Copa America title after beating Colombia in thrilling final

Brazil successfully protected their Women's Copa America crown by defeating Colombia 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday to claim their ninth continental title after a roller-coaster final in Quito terminated 4-4.

The decider at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Colombia take the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond on each occasion.

Brazil great Marta compelled extra time with a late equaliser and the veteran struck again in the 105th minute to seemingly seal victory.

But a resilient Colombia establish yet another equaliser to send the encounter to penalties, where Brazil's undergo ultimately prevailed.

"I think women's football has been growing a lot.

I think the trend is for it to be more competitive.

Everyone here acquired a match like this.

Congratulations to Colombia too," Brazil's Amanda Gutierres said.

"This means a lot.

I think it's Brazil's job.

It's that mentality of never giving up.

That's a source of pride for Brazil.

I think it means a lot to Brazilians.

"Both teams created early chances but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia's Linda Caicedo capped off a tidy passing move with a composed low complete from close range.

Brazil obtained the equaliser in the dying moments of the first half when Angelina stepped up to calmly convert a penalty after VAR confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini.

Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute via a Brazil own goal, defender Tarciane attempting a routine support pass to goalkeeper Lorena but unaware that she possessed already charged off her line to collect the ball.

Gutierres equalised for Brazil again 10 minutes from time with her sixth goal in the tournament, a fierce strike off Garbelini's pass, but striker Mayra Ramirez restored Colombia's lead by netting after a quick counter-attack eight minutes later.

'Las Cafeteras' were within touching distance of their first continental title until Marta, presented as a late substitute, handed over a moment of magic with a stunning equaliser six minutes into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.

Marta struck again in the 105th minute when she tapped in a fine cross from Angelina but Colombia turned things around again as Leicy Santos' brilliant free kick sailed into the top corner in the 115th minute.

The penalty shootout mirrored the drama of the match, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina's miss.

However, when Manuela Pavi dropped short to convert and goalkeeper Lorena saved Leicy Santos' effort Brazil gripped the advantage.

Marta possessed the chance to seal victory but Katherine Tapia's save sent the shootout to sudden death, where Carabali's miss finally handed Brazil their ninth continental title.