Brazil Announces Equal Pay for Men's, Women's National Soccer Teams
Sep 2, 2020
Brazil's Marta, left, celebrates after scoring her side's first goal with a penalty kick during the Women's World Cup Group C soccer match between Italy and Brazil at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes, France, Tuesday, June 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
The Brazilian soccer federation announced that the women's national team will receive equal daily payments and FIFA World Cup prize money proportions from this point forward, per sportswriter Grant Wahl:
Brazilian soccer federation president says its men's and women's teams will now receive same daily payments and same proportions of FIFA World Cup prize money moving forward. (Though total World Cup prize money remains much higher for men's WC than women's WC.) https://t.co/d6KAFlOcSK
Per BBC News, CBF President Rogerio Caboclo says the new policy has been in place since March. As noted by Nicholas Mendola of Pro Soccer Talk, Brazil's women's team played three matches that month as part of the 2020 Tournoi de France.
Brazil has not played since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have qualified for the Tokyo Summer Olympics, which have been pushed to the summer of 2021.
Brazilian manager Pia Sundhage offered comments on the policy change.
"This is historic. Being a part of this is very special, I'm very grateful," Sundhage said, per Rodrigo Almonacid of Barron's.
Per Almonacid, the Brazilian professional league "authorized equal prize money for women and men" last year.
The news comes amid the United States women's national soccer team's ongoing fight for equal pay with U.S. Soccer, which have gone to court.
The United States District Court for the Central District of California dismissed the women's team's claims in May, stating that "the WNT (Women’s National Team) has been paid more on both a cumulative and an average per-game basis than the MNT (Men’s National Team) over the class period," per Reuters.
They were denied the opportunity for an immediate appeal but may do so on Sept. 15, when their claims "including unfair medical services, travel and training" will go to trial.
Brazil Withdraws 2023 Women's World Cup Hosting Bid amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Jun 9, 2020
Brazil's national flag is carried during the Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Mexico at the Samara Arena in Samara on July 2, 2018. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazil withdrew from consideration to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup because of financial uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mauricio Savarese of the Associated Press reported Monday the Brazilian Football Confederation also released a statement in support of fellow South American country Colombia to host the 2023 tournament. Japan and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand are the other finalists.
The confederation said it "understands the position of caution of the Brazilian government, and of other public and private partners, which stopped them from formalizing the commitments within time or in the required form," per Savarese.
Brazil has reported over 691,000 COVID-19 cases with more than 36,000 deaths as of Tuesday morning, according to theWorld Health Organization.
The confederation's statement also referenced the financial commitment to other major sporting events recently held in the country, led by the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as an issue in trying to fund the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Brazil made the decision ahead of aJune 25 voteby the 37-member FIFA Council to choose the tournament's host.
Neither South America nor Oceania has ever hosted the Women's World Cup, which is held every four years. Asia hosted the event twice (China in 1991 and 2007).
France hosted the 2019 competition, which saw the United States defeat the Netherlands in the final to capture its second consecutive championship.
The 2023 tournament will see the number of teams increase from 24 to 32.
Record-Scorer Marta Calls on Brazil Team-Mates to Step Up After World Cup Exit
Jun 24, 2019
Brazil legend Marta called on future generations of female footballers to step up to the plate after her side exited the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup at the hands of hosts France on Sunday.
Marta played the whole 120 minutes as France beat Brazil 2-1 in extra time at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, to advance to the quarter-finals. The 33-year-old emotionally attempted to inspire the next wave of would-be internationals, via Fox Soccer (U.S. only):
Marta's speech to the next generation of Brazilian girls is incredible 🙏
"It's about wanting more, it's about training more, it's about looking after yourself more, it's about being ready to play 90 minutes and then 30 minutes more.
"So that's why I am asking the girls. There's not going to be a Formiga forever, there's not going to be a Marta forever, there's not going to be a Cristiane. Women's football depends on you to survive. Think about it, value it more."
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Marta, who has made it to one Women's World Cup final in five tournament appearances, added: "Cry now, so you can smile at the end."
Amandine Henry scored in the 107th minute to give Les Bleues a round-of-16 victory after Valerie Gauvin and Thaisa each netted in the second half for France and Brazil, respectively.
Former United States internationals Leslie Osborne and Maurice Edu were among those who reacted positively to Marta's message (U.S. only):
Marta scored two goals (both penalties) in France to take her overall World Cup goal tally to 17, the most by any male or female player in the history of the tournament.
Cristiane, 34, scored a hat-trick in Brazil's opener against Jamaica, while Formiga—who turned 41 in March—played in her sixth (and likely last) World Cup.
Marta concluded by stressing the importance of capitalising on tournaments like the World Cup to grow the game:
"It was a great experience for all of us, and now it's time to take advantage of this exposure and make the women's game even bigger and better.
"The World Cup has ended for Brazil, but we need to keep on going. Next year we have the Olympics. And we are very grateful about all the love that came from our country during this run."
Current and former players also reacted to her comments:
I was lucky enough to play w Marta for 2 years in Sweden. Shes an amazing teammate. No one notices but she works hard in defense for her team. She gives 💯 in training so she can give 💯 in games. She dribbles faster than I can run w/o a ball. AND, shes a wise woman. Listen https://t.co/iqz8oEta5R
The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year will be 37 when the next tournament gets under way in 2023, although coach Vadao said the likes of Marta and Cristiane "should be playing for a few more years yet."
Brazil Advance to 2019 Women's World Cup Knockout Stage After 1-0 Win vs. Italy
Jun 18, 2019
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 18: Marta of Brazil Women celebrates 1-0 during the World Cup Women match between Italy v Brazil at the Stade du Hainaut on June 18, 2019 in Valenciennes France (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Marta scored the winner for Brazil against Italy at the 2019 Women's World Cup on Tuesday as the Selecao booked their place in the knockout stages.
The 33-year-old struck the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 74 minutes after Debinha was brought down in the area by Italy defender Elena Linari.
Brazil had earlier gone close when Andressinha hit the crossbar with a free-kick, while Italy had a goal ruled out when Cristiana Girelli's effort was correctly disallowed for offside.
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Italy went into the game with qualification to the knockout stages already assured after wins over Australia and Jamaica but still named a strong line-up, while Marta started again for Brazil:
Brazil went close to opening the scoring in some style after 17 minutes. Debinha flicked Marta's corner goalwards at the near post from a corner but saw her effort tipped over by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani (U.S. only):
INCREDIBLE! 😱
Debinha attempts a brilliant back-heel flick off Marta's corner, but Laura Giuliani tips it over the bar!
Although it was a bright start from Brazil they continued to leave gaps at the back and were granted a reprieve when Italy had a goal disallowed just before the half-hour mark.
Girelli was given time and space in the penalty area to control a ball, beat her defender and slot home but saw her effort correctly chalked off for offside.
La Azzurre were the better team approaching the break and went close again five minutes before half-time when Barbara Bonansea's volley was parried by Brazil stopper Barbara (U.S. only):
BIG SAVE!
A wonderful attack from Italy ends in an early chance for Bonansea, forcing a good stop from Brazil's Barbara. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/QMis56XClq
Brazil went close to an opener at the start of the second half. Andressinha beat the wall with her free-kick from just outside the penalty area but was denied by the crossbar.
Kathellen Sousa then nodded another set-piece just wide of goal as Brazil began to turn up the pressure in search in the second half.
Their approach paid off with just under 20 minutes of normal time remaining. Debinha made a strong run into the penalty area and was brought down by Linari.
Marta confidently struck home the resulting spot-kick to write her name into the history books:
Marta is now the ALL-TIME top World Cup scorer with 17 goals 🐐
Italy did their best to pen Brazil back in the closing stages but never really came close to finding an equaliser.
Substitute Valentina Bergamaschi did have an opportunity with five minutes left to play but could only scuff a shot straight at Barbara as Brazil held on for the win.
What's Next?
Italy progress as group winners despite the defeat, while Brazil go through as one of the four best third-place teams. Australia also progress from Group C after beating Jamaica and finishing second.
Australia Complete Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Brazil at 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 13, 2019
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - JUNE 13: Chloe Logarzo of Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group C match between Australia and Brazil at Stade de la Mosson on June 13, 2019 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Australia pulled off a miraculous comeback at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and beat Brazil 3-2 on Thursday to temporarily move level on points with Italy at the top of Group C.
Brazil went two goals up in the first half following goals from forwards Marta and Cristiane, but strikes from Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo either side of half-time brought the Matildas level.
Defender Monica completed a nightmarish second 45 minutes for Brazil by heading the ball into her own net, the decider being approved after some deliberation by the officials.
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Two teams long viewed as main contenders for the first place in Group C laid on an end-to-end affair in the first half, but the majority of Brazil's bright spots came in the first 40 minutes.
MidfielderThaisasaw her blushes spared when the referee looked to have awarded Australia a penalty following her challenge on TamekaYallopinside the box. Fortunately for her, the video assistant referee spottedYallophad handled the ball in the buildup.
The tables turned minutes later when Brazil had a spot-kick decision go in their favour after a review.
Australia's EliseKellond-Knight had little defence as replays showed her tugging the jersey of right-back Leticia Santos as she went down.
Marta tucked away the penalty in the 27th minute to make it 118 goals for Brazil—22 more than closest challenger and team-mateCristiane.
The 33-year-old has now scored at every tournament finals since 2003, viabeINSports (U.S. only):
⚽ GOAL! ⚽ Marta makes history from the spot!
She's now scored in 5 #FIFAWWC tournaments and #BRA lead #AUS 1-0!
Cristianecut the distance between her and Marta back down before the break, scoring in the 38th minute to cap off a special passage of play from theSelecao.
Tamirescleverly nutmegged her marker before feedingDebinhadown the left wing, andCristianecould hardly have asked for a better ball to attack as she doubled the lead, via Fox Soccer (U.S. only):
The 34-year-old closely follows team-mate Marta in terms of her World Cup scoring record, perOptaJoe:
11 - Since the start of the 2007 Women's World Cup, only teammate Marta (13) has scored more goals in the competition than Brazil's Cristiane (11). Prolific. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/M91lzFrwSy
But theMatildasstirred into life and ended the half by effectively doubling the amount of goalmouth pressure they'd applied in the match up until then.
It paid off whenYallop's arcing cross from the left was nodded on by 5'5" Logarzo and volleyed over the line byFoordfrom all of two yards, viabeINSports (U.S. only):
⚽ GOAL! ⚽ #AUS aren't out of this yet! Foord pulls a goal back as #BRA lead 2-1.
Australia benefited from the new hope that goal gave them and asked the initial questions after the restart, and Brazil stopper Barbara was under pressure following a string of tests on her goal.
It paid off in the 58th minute when Sam Kerr's run across goal distracted Barbara enough to allowLogarzo's long-range cross to sail through a sea of Brazil bodies and over the line (U.S. only):
Brazil looked dominant at two goals up, but the spirit looked drained from their play after the equaliser. Their attacks lacked the same zip seen early on, and it was Australia doing the majority of the pressing and quick counters.
That pressure again yielded profit in the 66th minute when a hopeful lob up to Kerr put Brazil under the spotlight, and Monica's attempt to clear skipped off her head and inside the left post of Barbara's goal.
After a lengthy review, it was adjudged Kerr wasn't interfering enough for the goal to be ruled out.
Former England forwardEniolaAlukoagreed with the call:
Brazil attempted to get back on level terms to salvage a point, but Australia proved equal to the challenge and looked a different team to the one that started.
Neither team will forget such arollercoasterclash in a hurry, and both nations still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2019 World Cup.
What's Next?
Brazil face Italy in their final Group C fixture on Tuesday, while Australia take on Jamaica in a decisive group clash that could now see them take top spot.
Brazil Beat Jamaica 3-0 in 2019 Women's World Cup as Cristiane Nets Hat-Trick
Jun 9, 2019
Brazil's Cristiane, second from left, celebrates with her teammates after scoring her side's opening goal during the Women's World Cup Group C soccer match between Brazil and Jamaica in Grenoble, France, Sunday, June 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Brazil took care of business in their Women's World Cup opener on Sunday, beating Jamaica 3-0 thanks to Cristiane Rozeira's hat-trick.
The Selecao were in control from start to finish, dominating possession and opening the scoring after just 15 minutes. They also missed a penalty before half-time, but Cristiane added two more goals after the break.
It was Brazil's first win of 2019, putting their horrendous preparations for the World Cup in the rearview mirror.
The South American side face a tricky task of qualifying from Group C, where Italy beat Australia 2-1 earlier on Sunday.
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The Selecao piled on the pressure early, earning themselves a series of corners and barely letting the Jamaican side out of their own half.
The relentless pressure didn't lead to early chances, however, and the first shot on goal fell to Khadija Shaw, who put goalkeeper Barbara to work.
Brazil were by far the better team, however, and their work paid off after 15 minutes, as Cristiane's header broke the deadlock.
She's been one of the Selecao's best performers for a long time:
Brazil didn't let up and went looking for a second goal, with Andressa and Debinha looking particularly threatening. Sydney Schneider was kept busy in goal, claiming cross after cross.
Barbara also impressed in the other net, making a key stop to deny a stinging drive from Shaw.
Cristiane wasted a great chance to double her team's lead by spending too much time on the ball, and Barbara nearly made a costly error on a cross, spilling it before recovering.
The Selecao were gifted a penalty after 37 minutes for an Allyson Swaby handball, as the Jamaican player was unable to pull her arm back in time after the ball was fired at it from close range.
Schneider continued her superb half by saving Andressa's weak effort, however, ensuring her team were only down a single goal at half-time.
Cristiane doubled the lead early in the second half, calmly slotting home a cross. Schneider misjudged the ball, and the goal was wide-open for the 34-year-old forward.
Trudi Carter somehow missed a wide-open net before Cristiane completed her hat-trick, all but ending the contest. She struck with a great free-kick, becoming the third Brazilian woman to net a hat-trick in a World Cup:
Cristiane is the third Brazilian player to score a hat-trick at the #FIFAWWC:
1999: Sissi vs. Mexico 1999: Pretinha vs. Mexico 2019: Cristiane vs. Jamaica
There were chances for more goals, but the 19-year-old Schneider dealt with efforts from Geyse, preventing further damage.
BR Video
What's Next?
Brazil face Australia on Thursday, while Jamaica play Italy on Friday.
Marta out for Brazil's 2019 World Cup Opener vs. Jamaica Due to Thigh Injury
Jun 8, 2019
Brazil's Marta listens to a question during an interview at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Brazil, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. Marta is in preparation for the women's World Cup in France. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Brazil forward Marta has officially been ruled out of her team's Women's World Cup opener against Jamaica on Sunday as she continues her recovery from a thigh injury.
Per ESPN FC, team manager Vadao confirmed she won't be ready in time for the contest.
The six-time FIFA Player of the Year remains a key figure for the Selecao, even at the age of 33. While her scoring numbers have declined on the club level in recent years, she's expected to be the focal point of Brazil's attack in this tournament.
The Selecao have underwhelmed on the international stage in recent years―they haven't made it to the World Cup semi-finals since 2007―and enter this year's tournament in horrendous form, losing all of their matches in 2019.
Per football writer Grant Wahl, little has gone right for the South American giants:
#BRA coach Vadao confirms Marta will not play vs #JAM tomorrow. Nothing going right for Brazil lately.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 8, 2019
They'll face Jamaica, Australia and Italy in Group C. The Matildas are thehighest-ranked teamand favourites in the group, while the Italians are seen as Brazil's biggest threat for a second-place finish.
Jamaica are making their World Cup debut and are not expected to threaten Brazil much, even if Marta won't feature. The team's second match, against Australia on Thursday, is far more crucial, and having the veteran scorer back for that outing will be key.
