Brazil's Cristiane becomes all-time leading Olympic goal scorer in 5-1 rout of Sweden
Brazil roared into the last eight in Olympics women’s soccer Saturday with a comprehensive 5-1 rout of Sweden. The host nation took a commanding lead in the first half on the backs of goals from Marta, Cristiane and Beatriz. Marta converted a penalty to add to the lead in the second half before Beatriz scored her second of the night. Lotta Schelin pulled one back for Sweden in the dying moments of regulation time.
Beatriz got things started in the 21st minute, stealing in for an opportunistic goal after Sweden keeper Hedvig Lindahl failed to properly deal with a ball left by Emma Berglund. A few minutes later, Marta set up Cristiane, flashing a low cross into the striker’s path that was deflected in off Sweden defender Nilla Fischer for Brazil’s second.
The 24th-minute strike was the 14th Olympic goal of Cristiane’s career, making her the all-time leading scorer in Olympic soccer for both men and women.
Marta added a third from the spot just before the halftime whistle, sending Lindahl the wrong way after Cristiane was brought down by Magdalena Eriksson and Brazil was awarded a penalty.
The legendary Brazilian No. 10 completed her brace 10 minutes from time, flicking the ball around Elin Rubensson and slotting an effort past Lindahl for Brazil’s fourth.
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Five minutes later, Beatriz too completed her brace, curling a shot past Lindahl for Brazil’s fifth.
With one minute remaining in regulation time, Schelin beat the offside trap to pull one back for Sweden. The neat finish was her sixth career Olympic goal.
Brazil’s comprehensive victory against the team ranked sixth in the world surely puts the rest of the teams in the Olympic women’s soccer field on alert. With six points from two matches, the Brazilians sit atop Group E and are already qualified for the next round ahead of Tuesday’s clash with South Africa.
