Brazil is officially out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, falling 1-0 to Spain in the quarterfinals on Saturday. After an incredible run that saw them go unbeaten through the group stage and make life tough for every opponent, the Canarinho side just couldn’t find the equalizer against a strong Spanish squad in Poland.
First Half Fight Ends in Heartbreak
The match kicked off with Brazil dictating possession early, trying to set the pace. Just four minutes in, Gisele threaded a pass from the left, and Kaylane fired a shot from outside the box, testing the Spanish keeper. Spain wasn’t having it though, pushing back with quick plays and passing combinations down their left flank. You saw the pressure building, and at the 11-minute mark, Thais Lima had to make her first save, recovering quickly after Celia Segura tried a cheeky shot from outside the area with Thais off her line. The game stayed balanced, with both teams getting chances, but Spain broke through in the 26th minute. Rosalia sent in a cross, Pau Comendador got the shot away, and it took a cruel deflection off Thaynara before hitting the back of the net. Just like that, it was 1-0.
Coaches Adjust, Brazil Pushes Hard
Coach Camilla Orlando wasted no time, making a change ten minutes after the goal, bringing in Clarinha for Emilly to adjust the marking. Brazil went into halftime struggling in transition and trailing on the scoreboard. Orlando made more changes after the break, subbing in Dulce and Brendha for Dudinha and Evelin. Brendha joined Vitorinha and Kaylane, forming an attacking trio that definitely cranked up the danger up front. Brazil really started to cause problems for Spain, who had nine shots by the middle of the second half, but Brazil was right behind them with six. Even with coach David Aznar making his own adjustments for Spain, the pressure kept coming. Brazil brought on Gio Canali and Nogueira, pushing for that equalizer. The closest they got was in the 80th minute: a Nogueira free-kick found Sofia, who headed it towards goal, but it sailed just over the bar and close to the post. Man, that was close.
Brazil kept battling, showing that heart until the final whistle, but it wasn’t enough. The match ended 1-0 to Spain. It’s a tough way to go out after finishing first in their group, beating Tanzania 4-1, Canada 3-0, and England 2-1, plus knocking out the United States in the Round of 16 with a penalty shootout win. Spain, now with a 100% record in the tournament, will move on to face Italy in the semifinal. What a run it was for Brazil, even if it ended too soon.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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