What Is At Stake For The Samba Queens
In 10, 20 or more years’ time, Brazil’s current female footballers and their supporters wouldn’t want to look back at this present period with much regret. The yellow jersey is being donned by top players who have earned recognition thanks to their formidable and consistent performances.
You can name Cristiane, Rosana, Fabiana… these are actually some of Brazil’s talents and they contribute in the development of Women’s Football around the globe. Above all, there is Marta. The 25-year-old striker is already a living legend—having won 5 consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year trophies amid over 20 individual and collective titles.
And yet, this great combination of stars hasn’t offered Brazilian fans what they desire most; and this is nothing but a FIFA World Cup title.
It’s a rather shocking fact, a fact that needs to be defied… and is 2011 the Canarinhas’ time to shine? Below is a recap of the country’s World Cup record in Women’s Football.
The Samba Queens’ Women’s World Cup History
China 1991:
The first ever Women’s World Cup, previously called the Women’s World Championship, saw Brazil fail in the first round, ranking third in their section. Their miserable Group B adventure, was especially marked by a humiliating 5-0 defeat in the hands of foes and eventual winners USA.
Sweden 1995:
Some say that you come out better at a second try, but that didn’t apply for Brazil. Yes, they heroically stunned host nation Sweden in the opening game of the tournament, but they lost to Japan on match-day 2 and totally lost their group stage fight when giants Germany demolished them 6-1. The Samba Queens returned home, tagged as Group A’s rock bottom occupants in a campaign to rather forget.
USA 1999:
Since more than 10 years now, the Brazilian female team has gained much more recognition worldwide. A third-place finish at the 1999 World Cup was the start of a brand new era for the Samba Queens. However, Brazil may keep cursing experience as the reason behind their semi-final defeat to no other country but the United States…
USA 2003:
Marta, Rosana and company performed well, but their contribution wasn’t enough to guarantee Brazil with anything better than a quarter-final finish where Sweden had the better of the South Americans.
China 2007:
Big smiles later replaced by painful tears… Many Brazilian fans thought, “This is it” when the Samba Queens danced their way past the group stages with a 100% record. New Zealand and hosts China were victims of heavy beatings on the road whereas Pretinha’s injury time winner against Denmark on the third match-day simply proved the strength of Brazil’s winning mentality.
And then came the big moment in the semis where the Brazilians had revenge against the United States in great fashion thanks to an emphatic 4-0 victory. But believe it or not, this form didn’t carry the Brazilian to World Cup glory. Reigning champions Germany had the last say.
Germany 2011:
This year, the Canarinhas won’t tolerate a quarter-final exit despite the fact that they have a tricky record against USA. Since September 30, 2007 when they had to settle for silver medals in Shangai at the expense of Germany, Brazil vowed to embark on a new mission: to go one better than in China 2007 and to rule the world of Women’s Football at last.
Now, they are half-way through. But there’s so much to do before achieving glory; and the United States appear as a great obstacle to Brazil’s best generation of footballers led by the experienced Marta. What dance must the Samba Queens offer to find grace? Will the Canarinhas' gold hunt adventure soon be over?
