Women’s World Cup 2023 team guides part 21: Brazil
This article is part of the Guardian’s Women’s World Cup 2023 Experts’ Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 32 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from two countries each day in the runup to the tournament kicking off on 20 July.
Overview
Brazil enter the tournament still searching for their first world title. They were beaten finalists in 2007 but have disappointed since, falling at the quarter-final stage in 2011 and the last 16 in 2015 and 2019. But a new generation under Pia Sundhage are optimistic this time can be different. Perhaps unencumbered by the pressure felt by previous teams, this young group went unbeaten in claiming the 2022 Copa América, with their versatility a key asset. Antônia, Kathellen and Ary Borges, for example, all played in multiple positions. “I’m there for whatever she [Sundhage] needs,” said Borges.
The team no longer rely so heavily on the legendary trio of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga, with only Marta in the squad. The No 10 now acts as a source of support and inspiration for the younger players and Sundhage often makes a point of praising the 37year-old superstar.
In 2019, Brazil arrived at the World Cup on the back of nine consecutive defeats but their form in the lead-up to this tournament has been much better. After going unbeaten for 10 games in 2022, the team were impressive against England and Germany in April, losing to the Lionesses on penalties after a resilient display in the Finalissima at Wembley and beating a strong German side 2-1 in Nuremberg. “We have taken big steps in these four years,” said Sundhage. “We’ve brought in new players and I think we are in a good place.”
The coach
Pia Sundhage is one of the most successful coaches in the women’s game, having won two Olympic golds and a World Cup with USA, plus an Olympic silver with Sweden. She took over Brazil in 2019 with the mission to rejuvenate the team and re-establish them as a leading force. Sundhage has called up more than 90 players and formed a squad mostly of new talents. Her side is physically stronger, mostly playing in a 4-4-2 system, with an emphasis on technical players. She travels to Australia and New Zealand in a confident mood: “We have got a chance.”
Star player
Marta, a six-time winner of the Best Fifa Women’s Player award, leads the squad in her sixth World Cup. A key figure on and off the field, she is regarded as one of the best of all time. This will be her final World Cup and she would love to sign off by winning the trophy for the first time. Her teammates have made a pact: “We are taking inspiration from what Argentina did for Messi. We want to do the same for Marta,” said Kerolin.
Rising star
At 17 years old, Aline Gomes has a huge future. The attacking midfielder has explosive physicality, serious dribbling skills and speed. She came through the ranks at Ferroviária and made her international debut against England at Wembley.
Did you know?
Gabi Nunes always wanted to be a footballer, but she never imagined she would play alongside her biggest inspiration. When she was younger, she used the password “Marta in the future” for her social media accounts and, like many Brazilian girls, dreamed of meeting the Brazil No 10. They are now teammates.
Standing of women’s football in Brazil?
Women’s football was banned in Brazil for nearly 40 years. As a result, the sport still grows slowly in the country. The 2019 World Cup was a turning point and in the past four years the domestic league has gained more visibility with matches broadcast on television. Clubs have started to invest more in their women’s teams, attracting more fans to games and setting attendance records.
Realistic goal for this World Cup?
Reaching the semi-finals is the target, though those recent performances against England in the Finalissima and the friendly against Germany showed Brazil can dream bigger. “They are very good and prepared to do anything,” said Sundhage.