U.S. has no fear in matchup against Marta
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Brazil’s Erika celebrates scoring the opening goal with Brazil’s Marta, left, during the group D match between Equatorial Guinea and Brazil on July 6. Brazil won 3-0.
Brazil’s Erika celebrates scoring the opening goal with Brazil’s Marta, left, during the group D match between Equatorial Guinea and Brazil on July 6. Brazil won 3-0.
Brazil has taken silver medals in the last two Olympics and also was second in the last World Cup.
The Americans are ranked No. 1 in the world. Brazil is No. 3.
The USA has perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world in 29-year-old Hope Solo. Brazil has the best player in the world in 25-year-old forward Marta, FIFA’s world player of the year for the past five years.
It sounds more like a World Cup final than a quarterfinal, but that’s what it is.
Sunday, before an expected sellout crowd of 22,933, one of these two teams will advance to the semifinals, and the other will be knocked out of the World Cup earlier than expected.
Brazil is favored after cruising through group play with a 3-0 record, outscoring opponents 7-0.
The Americans finished second in Group C after losing 2-1 to Sweden on Wednesday. Afterward, coach Pia Sundhage boldly predicted her team would reach the final.
Thursday, the U.S. players were at ease with Sundhage’s prediction. “I think we’re very confident,” forward Lauren Cheney said. “The American way isn’t to fear another team.”
Or another player even Marta.
“She’s unbelievable,” U.S. defender Christie Rampone said. “She’s fast, she’s creative and she’s not afraid to take people on. She’s a player you have to be mindful of the whole game.”
Solo made a memorable save against Marta in the 2008 Olympic title game a 1-0 American victory and is preparing for more Brazilian frustration Sunday. “Marta’s time will come,” Solo said. “She deserves it. But I think overall we have the team to win it.”
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