Brazil are also into the last eight as, inspired by a near 60,000 capacity crowd at the Rio Olympic Stadium and two goals from five-time world player of the year Marta, they thrashed Sweden 5-1.
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While Brazil’s men failed to impress in a laboured 0-0 draw against South Africa on Thursday, home fans delighted in the football played by the women’s team, who outclassed Sweden despite being two places below them in the world rankings.
Brazil’s next goal came just three minutes later as Marta sent in a cross to Cristiane who managed a spectacular flick past Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.
With the victory, Brazil assured itself of a spot in the quarterfinals.
Fresh from brushing off China 3-0 in their opener, Brazil tore Sweden apart yesterday morning to go into the break 3-0 up, with goals from Beatriz, Cristiane and Marta.
The world champions improved after the break and were rewarded when Lloyd was characteristically in the right place at the right time to score her 90th global goal.
For host nation Brazil are still searching for their opening win of the Rio 2016 men’s football competition after an embarrassing 0-0 draw against Iraq.
But what Marta doesn’t have in her storied career is a major worldwide title.
One of their biggest showdowns came at the 2011 World Cup in Germany.
Janine Beckie got two of Canada’s three goals in a first-half spree, and Mavis Chirandu grabbed a consolation goal for the Africans with four minutes remaining. She has 10 Olympic goals, tying her for third on the career list with Abby Wambach.
Given the struggles on the men’s side, the Brazilians seem to be pinning their hopes on Marta and her teammates at the Olympics.
Men’s coach Rogerio Micale said despite the teasing from the fans, the team was proud of its women’s side and the other No. 10. When asked if it was fair to liken her to her male counterpart, she simply said, “Marta is Marta, Neymar is Neymar”.
“During the first 20 minutes of the second half, the United States put a lot of pressure on us”, said French coach Philippe Bergeroo.
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They should add a few more against an African team playing only for pride on Tuesday (9 August).
