In the first decade of the century, based much more on a spontaneous generation of talent than on any planning, Brazil were among the best teams on the planet, only to fall agonisingly short of landing the serious silverware. But as the rest of the world took rapid strides, Brazil stood still.
There was something melancholic about Brazil’s elimination by hosts France at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. The great Marta made a heartfelt and emotional appeal for new talents to come forward and take up the challenge. Her words seemed borne of despair.
But four years later the mood is entirely different as Brazil prepare for the coming tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Belatedly, a competitive domestic league is up, running, working well and producing players for the national team squad, announced live on TV amid an unprecedented level of interest by coach Pia Sundhage in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
– Women’s World Cup bracket and fixtures schedule
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
While debate rages over the pros and cons of appointing a foreign coach for the…
