Brazil rejoices as Marta and Formiga break Olympic football records
The record-breaking players received an outpouring of love back home after opening win over China, led by men’s legend Pele.
Football
There is euphoria in Brazil after Marta’s record-breaking goals at Tokyo 2020 on Wednesday (21 July).
The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year became the first footballer to score in five straight Olympic Games, netting twice in her nation’s 5-0 opening win over China.
There was an outpouring of love on social media for the 35-year-old led by her compatriot Pele, one of the all-time greats in the men's game.
In a touching social media post he said, "I hope you're dreaming about what you did a few hours ago. Speaking of which, how many dreams do you think you inspired today?
"Congratulations on your trajectory. Congratulations, you are much more than a football player. You help build a better world with your talent, in which women gain more space." - Pele's message to Marta on Instagram
Another heart-warming moment on the pitch saw Marta dedicate her goals to her fiancée and Orlando Pride teammate Toni Pressley, by making a 'P' sign in both of her goal celebrations...
Fabulous Formiga
But the Brazil captain wasn’t her team's only record breaker on the night. Marta's 43-year-old teammate Formiga became the first women's player to take part in seven Olympic Games.
The Sao Paolo midfielder, who has 201 caps for her national team played 72 minutes against China.
Formiga made her Brazil debut as a 17-year-old at the 1995 World Cup and has played in every Olympic Games since women's football made its debut at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
She briefly retired from international football after Rio 2016, but was persuaded to return by the former national team coach Vadao for the Copa America Femenina in 2018.
Next up: A stern test against the Netherlands
Next up for Brazil in Group F on Saturday (24 July) will be a tougher test in the shape of the Netherlands.
The Oranje set a record of their own in their opener, scoring the most goals ever by a single team in a women’s Olympic football match courtesy of a 10-3 thrashing of Zambia.
Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema stole the show with four goals - matching German striker Birgit Prinz's tally against China at Athens 2004 - before being substituted in the second half.
Marta and co will have to be at their best as Brazil continue their search for a first ever Olympic gold in women’s football.
The Selecao Feminina won silver in 2004 and 2008, before agonisingly losing their semi-final on penalties on home soil in 2016.