When she led out Brazil for their Paris 2024 semi-final showdown with Spain on Tuesday, Angelina did so with a steadfast belief her team could produce something special.
Over the course of an exhilarating contest at Stade de Marseille, she was proved emphatically right. The midfielder – captaining her country in the absence of the suspended Marta and injured duo Rafaelle and Tamires – helped Brazil deliver one of their finest displays in recent memory.
A Seleção completely overwhelmed the reigning world champions with a devastating exhibition of attacking football, running out 4-2 winners to book a final meeting with USA.
For Angelina, this statement performance and result came as no surprise.
“The last few years for Brazil were tough, but we’re on the right path,” she told FIFA. “Now, we’re starting to get results and people are going to see the new Brazil. Spain is an amazing team, but we knew our game plan very well. We knew what we had to do. We came for the win, and we did it. In every game we’ve been building up and, in this match, we played the best we have so far, for sure.”
Angelina said Brazil will “take a little time to celebrate” before attention switches to their gold medal match against USA. Angelina has strong connections with the States, having been born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents. She has also played in the country for the past three years and is currently with NWSL high-flyers Orlando Pride.
“The final is going to be really special,” she said. “I think it’s going to be an amazing game for everyone watching and for us playing. It’s not every day you have this opportunity. We’ve been dreaming of the gold since we got to France. That’s our goal – and now we have the chance to do it. We have to believe [we can do it]. We got to the final because we believe in ourselves.”
Angelina and Co were roared on throughout their clash with Spain by a vocal contingent of Brazilian supporters in Marseille. She is hoping for more of the same at Parc des Princes.
“It’s amazing to see Brazilians all over the world. It doesn’t matter where you are, Brazilians will be there supporting you! Our fans are just unbelievable.”
Initially named in the Brazil Olympic squad as an alternate player, Angelina explained how her Paris 2024 experience has far surpassed expectations.
“I’m so grateful for the trust the coaches and my team-mates have in me,” the 24-year-old added. “To be playing at the Olympics and captaining the team is incredible. You’ve got to live the moment – and that’s what all of us are doing. The Olympics is a special thing to live.”
Victory on Saturday would see Brazil clinch a maiden gold at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. They have twice been edged out by USA in the final, in 2004 and 2008, with the great Marta part of the Seleção teams which have fallen agonisingly short of glory.
The legendary forward – who has announced she will retire from international football this year – will be available for Saturday’s final after serving a two-game ban. Angelina declared the squad’s collective hunger to help her make it third time lucky in an Olympic final.
“Honestly, in these games Marta was out, we did it for her,” she said. “We want to give her a really great send-off. It was a dream of mine to play with Marta – and now it’s a dream come true. To do it the final in the Olympics, it’s just perfect.”
