Latest news with #CopaAmérica
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Marta returns to Brazil national team for friendlies against Japan
Marta, the six-time world player of the year, has returned to Brazil's national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in Sao Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she'll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet. The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the United States. She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. 'Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion,' Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. 'Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.' Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medalled. | Photo Credit: REUTERS The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa América, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil is the defending champion. 'She's a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I've already told her to retire when she's about 45, around there. As long as she's well, I'll be encouraging her to continue with us,' Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. 'And there's no way we can be without Marta. I can't see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she's experienced in women's football, and she needs to live this moment too.' Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medalled. 'I am crying out of gratitude, happiness. I am not crying because we won silver. Look at how much we had to overcome to win this silver,' she said. Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil. She was just 17 when she appeared at the 2003 World Cup, held in the United States. She has the career record for most World Cup goals with 17, and she has 13 Olympic goals, one shy of compatriot Cristiane's record. Brazil is hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup, leading to some speculation that she might try to play in the game's biggest tournament on home soil. She has said in the past that she's willing to help Brazil in any way possible. 'Having this opportunity to share a dressing room with Marta, not only for the national team but also for the club, is a privilege,' midfielder Angelina said after training on Wednesday. 'You never imagine that you will be sharing a dressing room with your idol.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Luis Diaz has no doubt what he wants now after ‘winning everything' at Liverpool
Luis Diaz played a huge part in helping to deliver Liverpool's 20th top-flight league title, but the Colombian star has insisted that the hard work is just beginning After a stellar season at Liverpool, Luis Diaz is now aiming to achieve success with the Colombian national team. The 28-year-old was a key figure in Arne Slot 's debut season, wrapping it up with an impressive tally of 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions. 'Lucho' also made history as the second Colombian to win the Premier League following Juan Cuadrado's title win with Chelsea back in 2014/2015. Unlike Cuadrado, however, Diaz's contributions were vital for Liverpool in clinching their record-equalling 20th league crown. He made the left flank his own during the second half of the season, also filling in when needed at centre-forward. Despite his domestic success, the Barrancas-born star is not resting on his laurels and is eager to replicate such achievements on the international stage. 'Right now, I'm coming to terms with what I've achieved," he told TNT Sports Mexico in the aftermath of Liverpool's title celebrations. "It's not easy to get here, there were difficulties, but here we are, enjoying the moment. We won the Premier League, which was the dream I was missing." Colombia currently sit sixth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying group. They have huge games against Peru and Argentina on the horizon, and Diaz has his eye firmly on realising another dream. He added: 'I'm obviously happy for winning everything with Liverpool. And well, with the national team, winning a World Cup or a Copa América would be a dream for me. So we'll work towards that." Diaz, who is often serenaded by the Kop with one of their most memorable songs in recent years, has quickly become a fan favourite. While he hasn't won "everything" with the Reds, he can add his Premier League medal to the two League Cups and FA Cup he's won on Merseyside since joining from Porto in January 2022. He also made an appearance in the 2022 Champions League final, yet lost out as the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Real Madrid. Despite his growing importance to Slot's team, it's rumoured that the forward is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Nassr reportedly considering a move. Barcelona are also believed to be keeping an eye on the winger, reports the Liverpool Echo. While no official approach has been made to Liverpool yet, interest from Saudi Arabia is thought to be longstanding. However, earlier this month, Diaz openly expressed his wish to stay at Anfield. He even hinted at extending his contract, which currently has two years left on it. "Yes, happy," he told Telemundo. "From the first day I arrived, I've always been happy, calm, enjoying the football played at this great team. We'll be talking about it, we'll talk about it (the renewal). "For me, I would stay however many years it takes, [but] it also depends on the club, everything. These are details that are sorted out separately. Very calm, I'm happy and enjoying the Premier League." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Marta returns to Brazil's national team for friendly matches against Japan
Marta is back. The six-time world player of the year has returned to Brazil's national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in São Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she'll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet. The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the United States. She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title . She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. 'Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion,' Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. 'Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.' The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa América, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil is the defending champion. 'She's a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I've already told her to retire when she's about 45, around there. As long as she's well, I'll be encouraging her to continue with us,' Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. 'And there's no way we can be without Marta. I can't see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she's experienced in women's football, and she needs to live this moment too.' Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medaled. 'I am crying out of gratitude, happiness. I am not crying because we won silver. Look at how much we had to overcome to win this silver,' she said. Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil. She was just 17 when she appeared at the 2003 World Cup, held in the United States. She has the career record for most World Cup goals with 17, and she has 13 Olympic goals, one shy of compatriot Cristiane's record. Brazil is hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup, leading to some speculation that she might try to play in the game's biggest tournament on home soil. She has said in the past that she's willing to help Brazil in any way possible. 'Having this opportunity to share a dressing room with Marta, not only for the national team but also for the club, is a privilege,' midfielder Angelina said after training on Wednesday. 'You never imagine that you will be sharing a dressing room with your idol.' ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Marta returns to Brazil's national team for friendly matches against Japan
Marta is back. The six-time world player of the year has returned to Brazil's national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in São Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she'll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet. The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the United States. She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. 'Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion," Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. 'Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.' The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa América, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil is the defending champion. 'She's a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I've already told her to retire when she's about 45, around there. As long as she's well, I'll be encouraging her to continue with us,' Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. 'And there's no way we can be without Marta. I can't see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she's experienced in women's football, and she needs to live this moment too.' Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medaled. 'I am crying out of gratitude, happiness. I am not crying because we won silver. Look at how much we had to overcome to win this silver,' she said. Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil. She was just 17 when she appeared at the 2003 World Cup, held in the United States. She has the career record for most World Cup goals with 17, and she has 13 Olympic goals, one shy of compatriot Cristiane's record. Brazil is hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup, leading to some speculation that she might try to play in the game's biggest tournament on home soil. She has said in the past that she's willing to help Brazil in any way possible. 'Having this opportunity to share a dressing room with Marta, not only for the national team but also for the club, is a privilege," midfielder Angelina said after training on Wednesday. 'You never imagine that you will be sharing a dressing room with your idol.' ___ AP soccer: Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Marta returns to Brazil's national team for friendly matches against Japan
Marta is back. The six-time world player of the year has returned to Brazil's national team for friendlies against Japan on Friday and Monday in São Paulo. While it remains to be seen whether she'll play, her inclusion on the roster suggests she may not be ready to retire just yet. The 39-year-old announced last year that she would step down from the national team following the Paris Olympics. The Brazilians went on to win the silver medal after a 1-0 loss in the final to the United States. She has continued to play for her club team, the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League. Last season, Marta scored 11 goals with the Pride, which won the NWSL title. She re-signed with the team through 2026 earlier this year. 'Marta has had a great season and has been very important for her club, which is the league champion," Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters when he announced the roster. 'Her presence in some call-ups is very important for the younger players, for the renewal that is taking place in the national team.' The matches against Japan are important for Brazil to prepare for the Copa América, which opens in July in Ecuador. Brazil is the defending champion. 'She's a very important person for our group, for the other girls who are just arriving. I've already told her to retire when she's about 45, around there. As long as she's well, I'll be encouraging her to continue with us,' Brazil defender Tarciane said in a press conference ahead of the matches against Japan. 'And there's no way we can be without Marta. I can't see the national team now without Marta, because we need her, we need everything she's experienced in women's football, and she needs to live this moment too.' Marta has played in 185 matches for Brazil. In her last, in the Olympic final, she was emotional as she came off the field. She insisted her tears were not because of the loss or her retirement, but because of pride for having medaled. 'I am crying out of gratitude, happiness. I am not crying because we won silver. Look at how much we had to overcome to win this silver,' she said. Better known just by her first name, Marta Vieira da Silva has scored a record 119 goals for Brazil. She was just 17 when she appeared at the 2003 World Cup, held in the United States. She has the career record for most World Cup goals with 17, and she has 13 Olympic goals, one shy of compatriot Cristiane's record. Brazil is hosting the 2027 Women's World Cup, leading to some speculation that she might try to play in the game's biggest tournament on home soil. She has said in the past that she's willing to help Brazil in any way possible. 'Having this opportunity to share a dressing room with Marta, not only for the national team but also for the club, is a privilege," midfielder Angelina said after training on Wednesday. 'You never imagine that you will be sharing a dressing room with your idol.' ___
