In a breathtaking showdown on Sunday night (August 3), Brazil’s women’s national football team edged out Colombia 5-4 in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a dramatic 4-4 draw at the end of 120 minutes of play, securing their 10th Copa América Femenina title.
Despite Colombia’s valiant efforts to rewrite history, the title once again went to La Canarinha, who have now won all but one edition of the tournament since its inception — with the only exception being in 2006. Colombia, meanwhile, were left heartbroken yet again, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive time.
A Match of Drama, Grit, and Goals
The final was a rollercoaster of emotions packed with end-to-end action, last-minute goals, and high-stakes drama. Brazil dominated possession with 60% ball control and launched 21 shots, 9 of which were on target. However, Colombia made the most of their chances and struck first.
In the 25th minute, Linda Caicedo sliced through Brazil’s backline to slot home a neat finish from close range off a pass from Ramírez, putting Colombia ahead. Just before the halftime whistle, Brazil drew level from the penalty spot. After a clumsy aerial challenge and unnecessary push on forward Giovanna by Colombian defender Jorelyn Carabalí, a VAR review awarded Brazil a penalty. Angelina calmly converted to make it 1-1.
Second Half Chaos and Extra Time Thriller
The drama intensified in the second half. In the 69th minute, a disastrous back-pass from Brazilian defender Tarciane resulted in an own goal, gifting Colombia the lead once again. But Brazil fought back — Amanda Gutierrez equalized in the 80th minute with a beautifully controlled chest trap and a left-footed angled shot from Giovanna’s cross.
Just eight minutes later, Ramírez linked up with Caicedo to restore Colombia’s lead at 3-2. With the title in sight, Colombia’s hopes were dashed by a thunderous long-range strike from Marta, which brought Brazil back to 3-3 and forced extra time.
Marta continued her heroics in the 98th minute, heading home an Angelina cross to give Brazil the lead for the first time. But Colombia refused to back down — Leicy Santos fired in a sensational free-kick from outside the box in the 115th minute, sending the match into penalties after a 4-4 draw in 120 minutes.
Penalty Shootout: A Nerve-Wracking Finale
The shootout was as gripping as the game itself:
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Colombia converted their first two spot-kicks, while Brazil missed one.
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By the third round, the teams were level again.
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Brazil pulled ahead on the fourth shot, but Marta’s miss on the fifth and Caicedo’s calm finish brought Colombia back.
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Both teams succeeded in the sixth round.
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In the seventh and decisive round, Luany scored for Brazil, while Carabalí, whose earlier foul gave away the penalty, missed her shot — sealing Brazil’s victory.
A Legacy of Dominance
With this win, Brazil continues its reign over South American women’s football. Out of 10 editions of Copa América Femenina, Brazil now has 9 titles, winning five consecutively since 2010. Once again, they proved why the yellow and green remain a force to be reckoned with in the region.
