Mano Menezes appears to be under a lot of pressure these days surely it isn't
because he's only the national coach of Brazil, a country with 194 million other
talking heads? Earlier this week, Menezes met up with the U-17 'selecao feminina' (you can call
them Brasil's futbolitas!
Brazil's U-20 'Selecao feminina' have started preparations for the Olympics in August. Vai vai
vai, meninhas! /Photo by R.Ribeiro
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In the end, you can't possibly have everything. The selecao feminina
painfully lost out on penalties to Canada a few hours ago, taking home the silver
medal at the Pan American games after the shootout ended 4-3. Sections of the
Brazilian media are calling this a "harsh punishment" but we don't think so.
Wow, this is extremely heartwarming stuff! We told you last night that
Maurine from the Brazil National Women's team made a personal vow to bring home
the Pan American gold medal because it was her late dad's wish (he passed away on Sunday). Well,
Dad must've been watching from above because Maurine scored the only goal in their
1-0 victory over Mexico last night!
Maurine from Brazil Women's team will be facing off against Mexico in a crucial semi-final match
at the Pan American games today. But Maurine, a right winger, has a greater mission than her
teammates. After her dad passed away on Sunday, she wants to fulfill his last wish: "My father
asked me to take the gold medal home.
Brazilian football legend, Marta, was in Sierra Leone in the last two days to
promote women's empowerment. The UNDP Goodwill Ambassador met with university students,
footballers, advocates and students. Marta also told them the story of how she overcame a difficult
childhood to become the best female football player in the world.
If you read this blog regularly then you know I'm a big proponent of statistical analysis. You
also know that I think it's just one component of a bigger picture. Watching the USA-Brazil Women's
World Cup quarter final on Sunday wasn't about the numbers. I don't think many models would have
been able to predict how the game unfolded and what the outcome would be.
The USA-Brazil Women's World Cup quarterfinal match fit all of the archetypes of the American
story: never giving up despite multiple adverse situations, last-minute dramatics, lots of heroes,
and someone named Hope. I felt that Brazil would be the favored team yesterday, and perhaps they
would have won had that early own-goal not occurred.
The Copa America officially kicks off today, and like Neymar's hair, everyone
will be staying up to watch the best in South American football as they fight for the
trophy. Of course, it's normal for the Seleção to be feeling the pressure ahead of their
tournament opener against Venezuela on Sunday, but they're doing it in true Brasileiro
style, with the laid-back swag and Bromance in tow!
Brazilian female football star, Marta, signs autographs for her new Western New York Flash fans.
She'll be playing at the Women's World Cup - so watch out for her! / via AP Photo
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