With a spot in the round of 16 at stake, Brazil is gearing up to face Jamaica in a crucial match at the women's soccer World Cup. Striker Marta emphasized that the team is prepared to fight for their advancement. "We have to make it happen on the pitch, so we can feel comfortable in this situation. Before the ball rolls, everything is the same. When it rolls, we have to show our soccer. That will depend on our performance. Until then, nothing is set in stone," she said at a press conference on Tuesday (Aug. 1).
Currently in third place in Group F with three points, one less than leaders France and runners-up Jamaica, Brazil must triumph over the Caribbean nation to move forward. In this context, Marta anticipates a nerve-wracking game: "Of course, the game will be tense because it is a knockout game. For us, the knockout stage started earlier than expected. We have a qualified team, but these are high-stakes games in big competitions. We're playing in the World Cup, so we have to be prepared for anything."
During the interview, the striker also affirmed her readiness to contribute to Brazil in any way necessary, even if it means playing for the full 90 minutes: "I'm fine, training normally. There's nothing to stop me from giving my best in tomorrow's game. I don't know if I can play the full 90 minutes, but I'll fight to play the entire match."
This World Cup holds a special meaning for Marta as it marks the last tournament of her career. The possibility of winning the first World Cup for Brazil in women's soccer alongside her has motivated the Brazilian players: "I'm happy when I hear that from the girls, that they want to win this Cup for me, but they have to win it for themselves. This World Cup is not just about me; it's about women's soccer in general, about this generation that is emerging and will carry this work for many years to come. It's for all of us, not just about Marta. If it motivates them a little more to think like this, then let's go ahead, let's fight."
On Wednesday (2), Brazil will face Jamaica at the Melbourne Rectangular stadium in Australia.
