13 November 2025
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Marta inspires Brazil to ninth Copa America Femenina title in thrilling final

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Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM
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Marta inspires Brazil to ninth Copa America Femenina title in thrilling final
   Bangla Press Desk: In a final for the ages, Brazil came from behind three times before edging Colombia 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout to claim their ninth Copa America Femenina title on Saturday at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito. Veteran icon Marta, a six-time world player of the year, came off the bench in the 82nd minute and delivered a stunning performance, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser and again in extra time to help Brazil secure their fifth consecutive continental crown. The 39-year-old forward, playing in her 206th international match, showcased her trademark determination and class. With Brazil trailing 3-2 in stoppage time, Marta fired in a sensational equaliser in the 96th minute, forcing extra time. She struck again in the 105th, tapping in Angelina’s cross to put Brazil ahead for the first time in the game. But Colombia, chasing their first-ever Copa America Femenina title, were relentless. Leicy Santos curled in a sublime free kick in the 115th minute to make it 4-4 and take the match to penalties.
The shootout was equally gripping. Angelina missed Brazil’s first kick, giving Colombia the early advantage. But Brazil goalkeeper Lorena Da Silva turned hero, saving efforts from Santos and Jorelyn Carabalí, before Carabalí’s miss in sudden death confirmed Brazil’s triumph. Marta herself had a chance to win it during the shootout but was denied by Katherine Tapia, extending the drama. “This means a lot,” said Brazil forward Amanda Gutierres, who scored in the 80th minute. “It’s Brazil’s mentality — never giving up. That’s what makes us proud.” Colombia began strongly, opening the scoring in the 25th minute through teenage sensation Linda Caicedo, who slotted home after a slick passing move. Brazil equalised on the brink of halftime when Angelina converted from the spot following a VAR-confirmed foul on Gio Garbelini. The second half saw Brazil fall behind again, this time through a bizarre own goal in the 69th minute. Defender Tarciane, unaware that Lorena had rushed off her line, attempted a back pass that trickled into the net.
Gutierres restored parity in the 80th minute with a thunderous finish, but Mayra Ramírez pounced on a swift counter-attack to put Colombia 3-2 up just two minutes later. Marta’s first goal would come in the dying seconds of stoppage time to keep Brazil alive. Despite Marta’s extra-time goal, Santos’ free kick once again levelled the scores, leading to a penalty shootout that reflected the final’s emotional rollercoaster. With her two crucial goals, Marta now has 122 international goals. Having already played in six World Cups and six Olympics, her performance once again demonstrated why she remains one of football’s greatest icons. This was Brazil’s fourth win over Colombia in the last five finals, reaffirming their dominance in South American women’s football. However, Colombia’s spirited performance underscored the growing competitiveness of the women’s game in the region.
“This was a final worthy of two great teams,” said Gutierres. “Colombia played brilliantly. But Brazil, we always fight till the end.” Brazil now turns its attention to building on this momentum, following their silver medal finish at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. This article was originally published on Daily Sun.
Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.
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[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

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