Olympics: Brazil vs Spain – Semi-Final Showdown

On Tuesday, Brazil Women will take on the world champions Spain Women in Marseille for a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the 2024 Olympics. With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Recent Encounters

The two sides recently faced off in the final round of group games, where Spain emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over a 10-player Brazil. This sets the stage for a revenge-seeking Brazil to prove their mettle against the reigning champions.

Match Preview

Brazil's Journey

Brazil had a challenging group stage, managing to secure one of the best third-place spots after a win over Nigeria was followed by defeats to Japan and Spain. Their performance secured them a tough quarter-final match against Olympic hosts France.

In a nail-biting encounter, Brazil rose to the occasion, with goalkeeper Lorena saving Sakina Karchaoui’s first-half penalty before Gabi Portilho scored an 82nd-minute winner, securing Brazil’s place in the semi-finals. This will be Brazil’s sixth appearance in the Olympic semi-finals, and they are determined to clinch their first medal since winning silver in 2004 and 2008.

Historically, Brazil has struggled against Spain, failing to win their last three head-to-head meetings. However, they will draw inspiration from their narrow 2-1 victory over Spain back in July 2017.

Spain's Dominance

Spain, making their Olympic debut, entered the tournament as one of the favorites for gold. They breezed through the group stage with wins over Japan, Nigeria, and Brazil. However, their quarter-final match against Colombia proved to be a thriller.

Colombia took a surprising lead with goals from Mayra Ramirez and Leicy Santos, putting Spain on the brink of elimination. However, a spirited comeback saw Jenni Hermoso pull one back in the 79th minute, and Irene Paredes scored a dramatic 97th-minute equalizer to send the game into extra time and then penalties. Spain held their nerve, converting all four of their spot-kicks to advance to the semi-finals. Now, they aim to become the fifth different nation to win Olympic gold in women’s football.

Form and Odds

Brazil's Olympic Form: WLLW
Brazil's Recent Form (All Competitions): WWWLLW

Spain's Olympic Form: WWWW
Spain's Recent Form (All Competitions): LWWWWW

Match Odds:

• Brazil Women: 5/1 (16.70% probability)
• Draw: 3/1 (25.00% probability)
• Spain Women: 8/15 (65.20% probability)

Popular Goal Markets:

• Over 2.5 Goals: 10/11 (52.40% probability)
• Under 2.5 Goals: 4/5 (55.60% probability)

Team News

Brazil

Brazil will be without their all-time record goalscorer Marta, who is serving the second match of her suspension following a red card against Spain. Real Madrid right-back Antonia is also likely to miss the semi-final due to injury, and Rafaelle Souza, who was forced off in the quarter-final, is expected to be ruled out as well.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Lorena; Thais, Tarciane, Lauren, Yasmim; Jheniffer, Duda, Vitoria, Adriana; Nunes, Portilho

Spain

Spain’s Teresa Abelleira is expected to start after a substitute appearance in the quarter-finals, while Jenni Hermoso may again start on the bench despite her impactful performance. Coach Montse Tome might continue with the attacking trio of Athenea del Castillo, Mariona Caldentey, and Salma Paralluelo.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira, Putellas; Del Castillo, Caldentey, Paralluelo

Prediction

Given Brazil’s spirited performance in the group-stage meeting and their resilience against France, they are likely to challenge Spain. However, Spain’s depth and quality may prove decisive.

Predicted Score: Brazil 1-2 Spain

Head-to-Head Statistics

Match Overview:

• Ball Possession: Spain 59% - 41% Brazil
• Big Chances: Spain 4 - 4 Brazil
• Total Shots: Spain 19 - 12 Brazil
• Shots on Target: Spain 8 - 6 Brazil
• Goalkeeper Saves: Spain 3 - 5 Brazil
• Corner Kicks: Spain 6 - 2 Brazil
• Fouls: Spain 20 - 16 Brazil
• Passes: Spain 544 - 389 Brazil

Player Highlights:

• Rodri (Spain): Scored twice, including a penalty
• Lamine Yamal (Spain): Highly rated performance
• Dani Olmo (Spain): Scored with an assist from Yamal
• Rodrygo (Brazil): Key player with one goal
• Lucas Paquetá (Brazil): Scored a last-minute penalty

Conclusion

As Brazil and Spain prepare for this monumental semi-final clash, fans can expect an intense battle filled with skill, determination, and drama. Spain’s superior form and squad depth give them the edge, but Brazil’s fighting spirit could make this a match to remember.

Statistics Table

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating match as these two football giants clash in the Olympic semi-finals.