Brazil ready for their own Women’s World Cup

Anna Harrington |

Brazil have been inspired by the effect the World Cup has had on Australia and want similar success.
Brazil have been inspired by the effect the World Cup has had on Australia and want similar success.

After seeing first-hand the impact hosting the Women’s World Cup had on Australian women’s football, Brazil are throwing everything at ensuring their home 2027 tournament is a success.

That starts with knocking over the Matildas on home soil at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night when plenty of Brazil fans are expected to pack the stands.

Brazil, who suffered a World Cup group-stage exit in 2023, beat a combined bid from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands to secure hosting rights for the next tournament.

Fresh off winning an “historic” silver medal at the Paris Olympics, world No.8 Brazil are determined to make their home tournament count.

Marta
Brazil legend Marta (l) retired after helping Brazil secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. (AP PHOTO)

“It was 16 years without having a medal and this is so meaningful for the whole sport there,” coach Arthur Elias said.

“The focus (now) is also to give opportunities to new players playing in Brazil to mix the silver-medal team with new players preparing (for) the next three years.”

The legendary Marta retired from international football after the Olympics, while the likes of Cristiane, Formiga and Debinha are also not involved or retired.

Young striker Amanda Gutierres, 23, who plays locally for Santos, is among those looking to cement a spot ahead of the tournament.

“It’s every soccer player’s dream to be part of a team in this moment playing in a soccer World Cup in your own country ,” Gutierres said through an interpreter.

“That’s what I’ve been preparing for since I started my career, but all the other players are doing the same and it’s going to be a big moment for everyone.”

Brazil are confident there will be even more attention given to women’s football now.

“I’m seeing much more support since the World Cup and the (Olympic) silver medal,” Gutierres said.

“It’s growing even more as well and we will see much more support now.”

Gutierres was modest when asked about a new generation taking over from the likes of Marta.

“I cannot compare, I don”t see it as comparing,” she said.

“But I understand it’s a new generation coming, and of young girls that want to be as Marta (was) and want to do as she did.”

AAP