After a goalless first half, a free-played Mallory Swanson finally scored in the 58th minute and gave the USA the lead. Then, Brazil's coach Arthur Elias had seen enough, and chose to substitute in 38-year-old Marta to try to get an equalizer.
But Marta never got a decent opportunity, and no equalizer came. Brazil fell in the Olympic Games final with 1–0, and Marta's dream of crowning her national team career with an Olympic gold medal went up in smoke. Instead, she had to settle for adding a third silver to her collection.
Marta has previously stated that this year will be her last in the national team. Whether there will be a continuation after the Olympic Games remains to be seen, but it is now clear that this was her last championship.
The 38-year-old's national team career in championship contexts began as early as 17, when she was selected for the World Championship 2003. Since then, she has been a pillar both on and off the pitch.
She is the country's top scorer of all time with her 119 goals. She is also the player who has scored the most World Championship goals of all time for both men and women with 17 goals.
