There is extra motivation for Brazilians to win the Women’s World Cup this year. During a long overdue renewal process for the national team, the tournament in Australia and New Zealand may be the last one for Marta, the legendary No 10 often regarded as the best women’s football player in history. She is the top scorer in the history of World Cups with 17 goals and hopes to increase that number after her side open their campaign on 24 July.
Younger players in Pia Sundhage’s squad are not only eager to win the title for Marta, but also to demand improvements to the women’s game in Brazil. They are aware that what they achieve on the pitch will reflect on how the game is viewed by the public, the federation and young girls everywhere. Their hope is that, after this World Cup, the women’s game will see more investments and visibility than ever, so that Brazil will catch up with the European leagues and the National Women’s Soccer League in the US.
