In the final women’s soccer match of Day 1 of the Olympics, Brazil handled a talented Swedish team with ease, winning 5-1. Sweden, ranked 6th in the world, was no match for Brazil on the night.
Beatriz got the scoring started for Brazil in the 21st minute as she took advantage of miscommunication in Sweden’s defense to sneak by a defender and send her shot into the back of the net.
Brazil’s next goal came just three minutes later as Marta sent in a cross to Cristiane who managed a spectacular flick past Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. Cristiane’s goal was her 14th career goal at the Olympics, the most of all time.
Just before halftime, Brazil scored another goal. Cristiane drew a foul in the box and Marta converted the penalty kick to make the score 3-0 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, neither side made much of a move until late on when both Marta and Beatriz scored their second goals of the match, giving Brazil five goals on the night.
In the 89th minute Sweden got a consolation goal through Lotta Schelin to make the final score 5-1.
Brazil is now in the driver’s seat in Group E with six points. Sweden remains at three points.
Both Brazil and Sweden play their final group stage match on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. ET. Brazil takes on South Africa while Sweden faces China.