Football

Brazil's women's soccer team has secured a spot in the Olympic final after a thrilling 4-2 victory over world champion Spain. The match, played at Stade de Marseille, saw Brazil take an early lead through an own goal by Irene Paredes and extend their advantage with goals from Gabi Portilho, Adriana, and Kerolin.Spain fought back with goals from Salma Paralluelo and Alexia Putellas, but Brazil held on to secure the win. The victory means that Brazil will face the United States in the final on Saturday, while Spain will play Germany for the bronze medal.Brazil's victory was a testament to their determination and resilience. Despite being without their star player Marta, who was suspended for the semifinals, the team played with heart and passion. They dominated the chances and made their superiority count, scoring four goals to Spain's two.Spain, on the other hand, showed their fighting spirit by coming back from 2-0 down to beat Colombia in the quarterfinals. However, they were unable to repeat that feat against Brazil, who were simply too strong on the day.The match was a thrilling spectacle that showcased the best of women's soccer. Brazil's victory was a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication, and they will now be hoping to go one step further and win the gold medal.

England and Spain, two footballing powerhouses, will clash in the highly anticipated final of Euro 2024 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday. The match, scheduled for 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams aim to etch their names in history.Spain, led by the prodigious teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, has been the tournament's standout team, winning all six matches en route to the final. They have showcased their dominance by eliminating several heavyweights, including Croatia, Italy, and France. Their aim is to become European champions for a record fourth time, following their triumphs in 1964, 2008, and 2012.England, on the other hand, has had a more challenging path to the final. Despite struggling against lesser opposition, they produced a memorable performance in the semi-finals, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Ollie Watkins. This is their second consecutive European Championship final, and they are determined to erase the disappointment of their penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the previous edition.Gareth Southgate's team is aware of the significance of this match. A victory would end England's 58-year wait for a major international title, since their triumph at the 1966 World Cup on home soil. "We have to get this trophy to truly feel the respect of the rest of the football world," Southgate emphasized.England's journey to the final has been marked by resilience and determination. They overcame a slow start in the group stage, where they scored only two goals, and faced adversity in the knockout rounds. Jude Bellingham's late heroics against Slovakia and their penalty shootout victories against Switzerland and the Netherlands have instilled a belief within the team.Spain, however, represents their toughest test yet. The young Spanish squad, guided by coach Luis de la Fuente, has captured the nation's imagination with their attacking flair and swagger. Led by the midfield maestro Rodri Hernandez and the lightning-fast wingers Nico Williams and Yamal, they have illuminated the tournament with their performances.The match is expected to be a close and evenly contested affair. Both teams possess exceptional talent and tactical acumen. The outcome could hinge on small details and the ability to minimize mistakes. Spain will welcome back Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, who missed the semi-final due to suspension, while England is likely to field an unchanged lineup.The Olympiastadion, which hosted the 2006 World Cup final, will provide a fitting stage for this epic encounter. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with a significant number of England fans expected to be present despite the limited ticket allocation.