Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Marta walked off the pitch in tears after being shown a straight red card during their 2-0 defeat by Spain in the Olympic women’s football tournament.
Marta, who will retire from international football this year, was sent off for narrowly missing Olga Carmona’s head with a dangerous high-footed tackle during the Group C match in Bordeaux.
Her hopes of appearing again in the tournament now rest on whether Brazil, make it through their quarter-final tie, after the Selecao advanced as one of the best third-placed sides.
Brazil were level when Marta was sent off just before half-time, with Spain, scoring in the 68th minute and then the 17th minute of second-half injury time – an extension prompted by multiple injury delays – to maintain their 100% record.
Marta, 38, won Olympic silver at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, losing to the United States on both occasions.
She is the all-time leading scorer in World Cups, men’s or women’s, with 17 goals in 23 appearances across six tournaments.
US continue fine form
The United States maintained their perfect start to the competition with a 2-1 victory over Australia to top Group B and set up a meeting with Japan in the quarter-finals.
Goals either side of half-time by Trinity Rodman and substitute Korbin Albert put Emma Hayes’ side firmly in control, although a late Alanna Kennedy effort ensured a nervy finale.
The US, who are record four-time gold medallists in the competition will face Japan in a repeat of the final from London 2012, at the Parc des Princes, Paris on Saturday at 14:00 BST.
Japan finished second behind Spain in Group C after beating Nigeria 3-1 in Nantes.
Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka and Hikaru Kitagawa scored for Japan, with Jennifer Echegini replying for Nigeria.