The Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado witnessed a final for the ages. Colombia led three times, but Brazil refused to break. And it was the evergreen Marta, aged 39, who turned back the clock to rescue and inspire her side.
Marta rolled back the years with two late goals before Brazil edged Colombia in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout to retain their Copa America Femenina crown after an unforgettable 4-4 draw in Quito.
Colombia started sharper. Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo broke through in the first half with a neat finish from close range. Angelina levelled for Brazil from the spot just before half-time.
Then chaos. Tarciane’s misjudged back pass put Colombia ahead again with a bizarre own goal. Amanda Gutierres replied with a beautiful chest and volley to make it 2-2.
Chelsea star Mayra Ramirez thought she had sealed it late on for Colombia. But in the sixth minute of added time, Marta rifled in a thunderbolt from distance. A moment of pure theatre.
That was her first. Her second came midway through extra time, nodding in a teasing cross to finally give Brazil the lead. But Leicy Santos had other ideas. Her sublime free-kick made it 4-4 and forced penalties.
The shootout mirrored the game, tense, fierce, and unrelenting. Both teams missed twice in their opening six penalties. Marta stepped up to win it, but her strike was saved by Katherine Tapia.
In sudden death, it was Lorena’s moment. The Brazilian goalkeeper saved Jorelyn Carabalí’s effort to seal Brazil’s 9th continental title.
“This means a lot,” said Amanda Gutierres. “It’s Brazil’s job, that mentality of never giving up. That’s a source of pride.”
The match capped Marta’s stunning return after retiring from international football post-Olympics. Manager Arthur Elias had recalled her in May, and she repaid that faith with a masterclass in leadership.
Colombia pushed Brazil to the brink. Their young core, led by Caicedo and Ramirez, signaled they are here to stay. But this night belonged to Brazil.
